THE COFFEESHOP KENYA / Marimira

Marimira Coffee Factory, established in 1966, comprises approximately 1,000 small-scale farming households. Located in the Muguru district of Kangma county, in the Mulangasi region of central Kenya, the factory sits on the high slopes of the Abadr Mountains at an altitude of approximately 1,400 to 1,600 meters, boasting fertile volcanic red soil. The local climate is characterized by two distinct rainy seasons, one long and one short, ideal for coffee cultivation. Major cultivars cultivated include SL28, K7, Ruiru 11, and Batian.

Farmers hand-harvest the cherries when they are fully ripe, then remove the pulp and ferment them by washing. The fermented cherries are washed with the clean water of the Mukungai River and spread out on raised beds to dry. During drying, they are turned regularly to ensure even distribution, and defective cherries are carefully selected and removed. The factory is surrounded by abundant natural resources, and the ecosystem remains well-balanced.

The Marimila factory and farmers prioritize sustainability, employing wastewater collection pits to prevent pollution, recycling coffee pulp for fertilizer, and reusing pulping water. Simultaneously, they maintain environmental and ecological health by protecting native tree species and wildlife, reducing pesticide use, and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This management approach, balancing quality and sustainability, makes Marimila one of Kenya's leading representatives of high-quality washed Arabica coffee.