18SM0002 / Kiguta Estate
Code: 212
212
Coffee Description
License: AG138
General Information
About the Farm
Farm Introduction and Description
Kiguta Estate – Ruguru, Nyeri County
Nestled in the lush highlands of Ruguru in Nyeri County, Kiguta
Estate sits at an altitude of 1,850 meters above sea level, an
elevation known for producing some of Kenya’s most vibrant
and distinctive coffees. The estate covers 17 acres under coffee,
where rich volcanic soils, cool mountain temperatures, and
consistent rainfall create ideal conditions for growing exceptional
coffee.
Kiguta Estate was established in 1959 by Alice and James, whose vision was to cultivate high-quality coffee while building a lasting family legacy rooted in the fertile lands of Nyeri. Over the years, their dedication to coffee farming helped shape Kiguta into a respected family estate in the region. In 1990, the farm obtained its official estate license from Kenya’s AFA formally recognizing its place in the country’s coffee industry.
Today, the legacy of the founders continues through the family. James has since passed on, while Alice, now 86 years old, remains a proud symbol of the estate’s long history and commitment to coffee farming.
Kiguta Estate grows the renowned Kenyan varieties SL28 and SL34, both highly prized for their outstanding cup quality. The high elevation allows coffee cherries to mature slowly, producing dense beans with bright acidity, elegant structure, and layered sweetness—hallmarks of coffees from Nyeri County.
Since its establishment, Kiguta Estate has traditionally processed its coffee using the classic Kenyan washed method, known for producing clean, bright, and expressive cup profiles. Beginning in 2025, the estate started experimenting with special processing methods, exploring new ways to highlight the unique character of its coffee while maintaining the quality standards it has upheld for decades.
From its beginnings in 1959 to its continued evolution today, Kiguta Estate represents generations of dedication, heritage, and craftsmanship. Each harvest reflects not only the exceptional terroir of Ruguru but also the enduring story of a family whose lives have been closely connected to the land and to the art of producing remarkable Kenyan coffee.
