1. Confirm the exporter is licensed
Kenya's coffee trade is regulated by the Coffee Directorate of the Agriculture and Food Authority, which licenses dealers, millers and exporters[1]. Ask any prospective supplier for their current licence before discussing prices.
2. Understand how Kenyan coffee reaches the market
Most Kenyan coffee is sold at the weekly auction of the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, while direct sales between growers and licensed buyers provide a second route[2]. A good exporter explains which route each lot comes from and what that means for traceability.
3. Insist on a clear lot specification
Kenyan green coffee is graded by screen size and shape: E, AA, AB, PB, C, TT and T. A grade describes the bean, not the cup, so a reliable exporter also states variety, region and processing method and supports it with cupping. Kenya's principal Arabica varieties — SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11 and Batian — are documented by the Coffee Research Institute[3] and World Coffee Research[4]. See our coffee grades and varieties pages for detail.
4. Exporter checklist
- Licence
- Valid coffee dealer / exporter licence from the AFA Coffee Directorate
- Route to market
- Buys through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange or direct-sale contracts with registered growers
- Specification
- States grade (E, AA, AB, PB, C, TT, T), variety, region, processing and crop year per lot
- Samples
- Provides pre-shipment samples so you can cup and approve before contract
- Documents
- Phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, ICO certificate, packing list, bill of lading
- Transparency
- Explains that screen grade measures bean size — not cup quality
5. Check market context before you contract
Prices for Arabica move with the international market. The International Coffee Organization publishes regular market reports that help buyers judge whether a quotation is in line with current conditions[5].
6. How Rimal works with coffee buyers
Rimal-Trade & Sourcing Limited sources Arabica from Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda for buyers in Türkiye, Europe and beyond. Each quotation states origin, variety, grade and processing, and final terms depend on volume, specification, destination and season. Read our coffee buying guide or request a quotation.
