Vava Mukuyuni AB

Get to know this coffee in detail

Produced by Vava Angwenyi, founder of social enterprise Vava

Coffee, this coffee comes from the Mukuyuni Farmers Cooperative Society, a cooperative with more than 25 years of experience that prioritizes organic agriculture and gender equity in its management.

This variety was designed to adapt to Kenya's agroclimatic conditions, including nutrient-rich volcanic soils and high altitudes.

Vava not only seeks to produce exceptional coffees, but also to achieve social impact, empowering producing communities and fostering female and youth leadership in the coffee industry.

Meet the producer

Vava Mukuyuni AB: A Coffee That Revolutionizes the Industry in Kenya

In the hills of Machakos, Kenya, at an altitude between 1,700 and 2,000 meters, an extraordinary coffee is born: Vava Mukuyuni AB. This washed SL28 coffee offers an exceptional flavor profile with notes of blackberry, blueberry, and summer pudding. But its story goes beyond its flavor; it represents a fundamental shift in the coffee industry, spearheaded by Vava Angwenyi.

Vava's Dream: Empowering Coffee Growing Communities

Vava Angwenyi is the founder of Vava Coffee, a Kenyan women-led social enterprise. Her mission is to challenge the power imbalance in the coffee value chain in favor of producers. With a focus on gender equity, youth empowerment, and sustainability, Vava has transformed coffee-growing communities and created a model that inspires profound and lasting change.

Vava is also the author of Coffee Milk Blood and served on the SCA board from 2019 to 2020. Her leadership has significantly influenced cooperatives such as the Mukuyuni Farmers Cooperative Society, known for its organic practices and gender equity, and the women’s group at the Kapkiyai cooperative, the first all-female FairTrade-certified coffee farm in the region.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Vava's coffee journey began far from Kenya. At 16, she moved to Canada to study Actuarial Science and Statistics. It was there that she discovered coffee as a student in need of energy, and soon began questioning the disparities between the high cost of coffee in cafes and the hardships of farmers in her home country.
Driven by this injustice, Vava specialized in International Finance and Management in the Netherlands, where she researched alternative business models for Kenyan producers. Although her research didn't materialize as she expected, her passion for transforming the coffee industry brought her back to Kenya.

Building a Sustainable Future

In 2009, Vava founded Vava Coffee without financial support, relying on friends and a group of Strathmore University students to research farmers' issues. Her initial focus was building trust and educating producers about terms like "cup score" and international market demands.
Despite obstacles, including skepticism about being a woman in a male-dominated sector, Vava managed to gain the trust of communities and raise awareness about inequalities in the supply chain. Today, her brand not only exports high-quality coffee but also inspires producers and buyers to adopt fairer practices.

Empowering Youth

One of Vava's most notable initiatives is its work with Gente Del Futuro, a program that educates young people on best agricultural and financial practices. Additionally, Vava established La Dulce Toro, a community center in Lamu, to empower local youth and promote meaningful exchange between international buyers and producing communities.

Final Reflection

Vava Mukuyuni AB is more than just coffee; it's a testament to the impact a bold vision can have on the coffee industry. Under Vava's leadership, this initiative not only celebrates Kenya's unique flavor but also drives systemic change toward equity and sustainability.