15SM0106 / Thageini CBO

About the Farm

Grower Introduction and Description
Thageini Farmers Community Based Organization is an independent, farmer-led coffee producer located in Tetu, Nyeri. Once a member of the Aguthi FCS, we chose the path of autonomy to redefine the Kenyan coffee experience. By controlling our own wetmill and processing, we ensure that every bean tells the story of our volcanic soil and our farmers’ dedication.

The Vision & Ambition
Mr. David Wagura, Chairperson – Thageini Farmers CBO
"When we founded the Thageini Farmers CBO, we had a single vision: to bring the heart of Tetu’s coffee directly to the world. We have listened to our buyers and relentlessly innovated to meet their requirements. Today, Thageini is known as the 'Home of Super Naturals.' This title is a
testament to our farmers' patience—waiting nearly a month for cherries to dry to perfection. But our success is measured by more than just cup scores. We serve our buyers with transparency, ensuring 100% traceability and returning the highest possible value to our 450+ member farmers. We continue to honour our coffee heritage with pride and dignity.

Our Signature: The Super Natural
Robert Githitho, Wetmill Manager
While Kenya is well known for its washed coffees, and Thageini
consistently demonstrates excellence in this category, we are recognized as leading innovators of the Supernatural processing method. Through precision-controlled, in-cherry fermentation and slow drying on African raised beds (25 - 30 days), we unlock flavour profiles of cherry jam, passion fruit, and candied pineapple that have captivated buyers from UAE, Tokyo, Melbourne, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur to Hamburg and beyond.

Sustainability:
Syntropic Agroforestry Training Session for Farmers Courtesy of GrowGrounds and Origin Connect Services
With the support of our partners, GrowGrounds and Origin Connect Services, we have initiated sustainable coffee farming through the adoption of the syntropic agroforestry model. This approach will gradually transition our coffee production to 60% shade-grown and reduce dependency on chemical inputs. By shifting from coffee monoculture to intercropping with compatible fruit trees and food
crops, we aim to diversify income streams and enhance food security, whilst providing our farmers with supplementary income from carbon credit revenues.

Our Social Impact:
Since becoming a CBO, we have transformed farmer livelihoods. Our autonomy allows us to offer direct-to-buyer pricing, which has significantly increased the payout per kilogram compared to traditional models. We have empowered our producers who include women and youth, through dedicated training in farm management and financial literacy.

When you buy Thageini coffee, you are not just purchasing a beverage; you are investing in a resilient community that is proving that Kenyan smallholders can lead the global specialty market.