Mchana Estate, Kenya
Mchana Estate, Kenya – High-Altitude Excellence, Ethical Impact
Experience the extraordinary legacy and ethical commitment of Coffeeangel’s Mchana Estate, Kenya. Located north of Nairobi in the picturesque hills of Kiambu County, this single estate coffee is crafted by passionate farm teams and delivers the stunning flavour and clarity for which Kenya is world-famous.
Delivery
- Local Collection from our shops - FREE
- Orders over €35.00 to all-Ireland address - FREE
- Orders €35.00 or less to all-Ireland address - €8.50
- Orders to the mainland UK - €15.50
Please click here for more information on our shipping options
Mchana Estate, Kenya
The Coffee.
- Origin: Kiambu County, Kenya (35km north of Nairobi)
- Estate Size: 907 hectares; 377.9 ha under coffee
- Producers: Managed estate, 172 permanent workers, up to 1,200 casuals during harvest
- Varieties: SL28 (majority), Ruiru 11, K7, Batian
- Soil: Deep red volcanic, loamy-sandy
- Elevation: 1,800–2,550 masl
- Harvest: Main (Nov–Dec), Fly (May–June)
- Process: Washed, classic wet-mill, sun-dried, water recirculation, strict hygiene
- Certifications: UTZ, Rainforest Alliance, 4C
Taste profile.
- Aroma: Dried Figs
- Flavour: Cherry, Apple Syrup, Persimmon
- Acidity: Medium-High
- Body: Medium
Origin Story & Social Impact.
Founded decades ago on the volcanic slopes north of Nairobi, Mchana Estate is one of Kenya’s largest and oldest coffee plantations—managed with expertise by a factory manager and farm manager. The estate’s coffee trees thrive thanks to years of precise husbandry, advanced cherry selection, and the care of both permanent and seasonal staff.
Workers are supported by progressive policies: access to on-site crèche and day-care, nutritious children’s meals, a primary school, health and safety committee, and ongoing educational initiatives (including HIV/AIDS awareness). Inclusivity, fair labour and empowerment are central. Water is returned to the land via soak pits, and workers enjoy a nurturing, safe and open community.
Natural Processing.
Selective Picking: Hand-selecting perfectly ripe cherries for maximum sweetness.
Sorting: Manual sorting to remove under/overripe fruit for consistent fermentation.
Sun-Drying: Cherries dried up to 30 days on raised beds, regularly turned for optimal flavour and clarity.
Finishing: Hulled and rested to stabilise the beans before milling and export.
Why Mchana Estate Stands Out
Mchana Estate combines prime highland terroir (volcanic soils, altitude, seasonal rainfall) and majority SL28 selection for clarity, intensity, and stunning fruit sweetness. Deep ethical roots—supporting hundreds of staff, their families, and community education—mean every cup delivers for people, planet, and palate.
Sustainability & Community Impact.
- Rainforest Alliance, UTZ and 4C Certified: guaranteeing environmental responsibility
- Water recirculation and waste management keep rivers clean and flora and fauna protected
- Estate-wide anti-deforestation initiatives, tree planting and biodiversity conservation
- Strict anti-discrimination, worker advocacy, and open freedom for religious expression
Brewing Recommendations.
Filter: 1:16 coffee to water ratio, 92–94°C water, medium grind, 2:30–3:00 minutes
Espresso: 19–20g dose, 1:2.5 ratio, 30 seconds extraction
Best for: Pour-over, Aeropress, and immersion to highlight bright fruit and layered sweetness