High in the hills of Murang'a, at 1,650 meters above sea level, sits Kiriga Estate a coffee paradise run by the passionate Dr. Brian Gakunga. Just 5 km from Thika town and right next to the Chania Falls, this farm is where tradition meets coffee science. Dr. Gakunga, a dedicated farmer and a very prominent figure in the Kenyan coffee scene, cultivates SL28 alongside Ruiru 11 intercropped each chosen for flavor and resilience. With over 70% of his crop graded AA/AB, every cherry is nurtured with care, from seed to cup.
The AA grade (screen size 18+) represents the largest and most prized bean size in Kenya's grading system. The washed process is meticulous: red, ripe cherries are handpicked by trained pickers and delivered to the factory. each day. Upon arrival, they are sorted, pulped using a four-disc pulper, soaked overnight to break down remaining sugars, density-sorted again with only the highest-density beans classified as P1, and dried on raised beds for 8–12 days. During peak afternoon heat, the parchment is covered to prevent cracking and ensure even drying.
