Several co-operatives - Smallholder farms - Ruiru, SL 28, Batian - Washed

Muthua-Ini Factory is part of Mutheka Coffee Farmers Society (FCS), which has over 500 active farming members across six cooperative groups. Located in Nyeri County, east of the Aberdare Mountains, the factory serves local smallholder farmers who deliver coffee cherries for processing and regional bulking. The area’s red volcanic soils, annual rainfall of around 1,200 mm, elevation of 1,675 metres, and cool temperatures of 13-26°C provide ideal conditions for coffee production. Farmers receive training and access to demonstration plots promoting best agricultural practices.

Ripe cherries are hand sorted before wet processing, where the fruit is pulped, and the beans are then fermented overnight to remove remaining sugars. Afterwards, the coffee is washed and dried on raised beds for 7-15 days, depending on weather and processing volumes. Wastewater is treated in soaking pits and partially recirculated to conserve water. 

The factory receives support from Coffee Management Services (CMS), which provides farmer training, access to inputs, and sustainable farming guidance. An agronomist supports farmers in improving quality and productivity, while the factory manager oversees daily operations and quality control. Sustainability is supported through responsible wastewater management and tree planting, with farmers also growing bananas and maize alongside coffee. Grevillea and macadamia trees provide shade for the coffee plants and contribute to biodiversity.