Coffee farmers in Kenya are entering the second quarter of 2026 with renewed confidence as higher global demand and improved local payment systems help raise their earnings. According to reports from the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE), premium Kenyan coffee grades have reached more than 7 United States dollars, or about 910 Kenyan shillings, per kilogram, while average auction prices increased by 22% over the last four weeks. A major reason for this progress is the Direct Settlement System (DSS), which allows payments to reach farmers’ bank accounts within days, reducing delays and giving farmers better control over their income. Kenya also exported 12,500 metric tonnes of coffee in the first quarter of 2026, up from 10,200 metric tonnes in the same period last year, with Germany, the United States, and South Korea remaining key buyers. With farmer payouts through the Direct Settlement System surpassing 15 billion Kenyan shillings in the last six months, the coffee sector is opening more opportunities for farmers to invest in better crops, modern equipment, and long-term growth.
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