In Kenya, revenues from coffee exports dropped by 11% to KSH10.4 billion ($103 million), in the first half of the 2017-18 season (September to March). This was revealed by Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE).

According to Daniel Mbithi, NCE’s MD, this decline is attributable to a drop to 120 cents (its lowest level in the last two years) on the international market. 

This economic turndown on the international market led to a slight shrink of the price per bag of 50 kg on NCE to $244 from $260, and a decline by 5.8% in the volumes traded.

Let’s recall that coffee is Kenya's fourth largest source of foreign currency after tea, tourism and horticulture. The sector accounts for 1% of national GDP and 8% of agricultural export earnings.

Espoir Olodo