Mugaya

Mugaya Factory is owned and operated by the Mutira Farmer Cooperative Society (FCS) and serves as a key processing center for 1,900 smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga. These farmers cultivate SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, and Blue Mountain at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 1,900 meters above sea level, where the high-altitude climate enhances the complexity and quality of their coffee.

Farmers delivering to Mugaya Factory primarily grow SL28, SL34, Ruiru 11, and Blue Mountain on small coffee gardens, typically less than one hectare in size. The SL varieties, originally developed by Scott Agricultural Laboratories (SAL) in the 1930s and 1940s, are widely favored by Kenyan farmers for their deep root systems, which allow them to efficiently access water and thrive even in dry conditions. These trees are cultivated with a strong focus on sustainability and Good Agricultural Practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact whenever possible.

Ruiru 11, a more recently developed variety, is valued for its disease resistance and high yields. Unlike traditional varieties, it begins producing fruit within just two years, offering farmers a faster return on investment.

Through careful cultivation and sustainable farming methods, the farmers of Mugaya Factory continue to produce exceptional coffee, upholding the region’s reputation for excellence.