Java House Foundation and DeKUT Launch Programme to Improve Skilling in Kenya’s Coffee Sector

The Java House Foundation and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT) have kicked off a scholarship programme to train 35 young people in various aspects of coffee technology and quality management.

The partnership establishes the NextGen Coffee Leaders programme targeting youth aged 18-30 from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those from coffee-growing communities and women who, historically, have had limited access to formal careers in the coffee sector.

The first cohort, which began in September 2026, comprises 35 students. Of these, 20 are pursuing a Diploma in Coffee Technology and Cupping, and 15 are undertaking a Certificate in Coffee Technology and Quality Management.

Speaking during the official kick-off ceremony of the programme held at Java’s commercial kitchen, Foodscape, in Industrial Area, Nairobi, Maureen Mithamo, Head of Corporate Affairs at Java House Africa, highlighted the value of home-grown talent in supporting the improvement of Kenya’s coffee sector.

“Kenya grows some of the finest coffee in the world, and we want to be part of making it even better. The NextGen Coffee Leaders programme is our commitment to improving it by investing in young people who will carry this industry forward. The only way we will realise the full gains of Kenya’s high-quality coffee is by ensuring it is matched by the quality of the professionals who grow, process, and brew the coffee,” said Ms. Mithamo.

Under the programme, scholars have received full tuition, a monthly living stipend, access to DeKUT’s specialised training laboratories, and structured internship placements at select cooperative societies and the Java House roastery.

Dr Daniel Njoroge, Director of the Institute of Food Bioresources Technology at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), noted that the partnership reflects the role of applied higher education in preparing industry-ready professionals.

“This partnership reflects what applied higher education should look like. The NextGen Coffee Leaders will leave with qualifications that are academically rigorous and immediately relevant to the industry. Even better is that the most promising among them will do so with real-world experience in production and processing environments,” said Dr Njoroge.

Graduates of the programme will join the NextGen Coffee Leaders Alumni Network, a structure designed to sustain the programme’s impact beyond the scholarship period through mentorship, peer learning, and ongoing linkages to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

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