Some partnerships begin with a great cup of coffee. Others begin with a shared conviction.
Our relationship with coffee farmer Stephen Nandela began in 2023 when we were drawn to his thoughtful, disciplined approach to specialty coffee in Kenya’s Western Rift Valley. When our partners visited Stephen’s farm in 2024, it confirmed what we already sensed from the cup: this is a relationship built for the long term.
From Sugar Cane to Specialty Coffee
Stephen’s journey began in 2015 when he moved back into his childhood home near Eldoret to live with his mother on their six-acre plot of land. The farm had grown sugar cane for years, but Stephen saw a different future. He converted the land to coffee and began exporting small microlots directly under the name Bungoma Farm.
That early success led to something even bigger. Stephen purchased a second farm, 17 acres at 1900 meters above sea level near Kitale in an area known as Cherengany Hills, part of the Mt. Elgon mountain range. The land had once been a coffee farm in the 1970s but had fallen mostly dormant. Stephen brought it back to life.
He and his wife Lilian named the farm Nawiri, which means prosperity. Locals call it Muinami, a Kikuyu word meaning “bent” or “those who work,” a fitting tribute to the labor and dedication behind every harvest.
Elevating Coffee in the Western Rift Valley
Stephen is often described as a regional evangelist for specialty coffee. In just a few years he has moved from experimenting with specialty processing to producing exceptional microlots for export. Along the way, he has encouraged neighbors and fellow farmers to pursue specialty production themselves, raising quality standards across the region.
At Muinami, excellence begins long before harvest. Stephen emphasizes selective picking so that only fully ripe cherries are chosen. Fermentation is carefully monitored. Drying is precise and patient. Each lot receives intentional attention because quality is not accidental, it is cultivated.
The Cup: Kenya Muinami
Kenyan coffees are known globally for their complexity and clarity. Often called the “wine of coffee,” they typically feature bright acidity, layered fruit notes, and a structured sweetness that lingers.
Our roasting team at the Vienna Roastery developed a medium roast profile to showcase the full character of this coffee while preserving its vibrant structure.
Quick Facts
Producer: Stephen Nandela
Region: Kitale, Cherengany Hills
Cultivar: Ruiru
Processing: Washed
Altitude: 1900 meters
Tasting Notes: Apple, brown spice, citrus
Body: Full
Acidity: Bright
In the cup, you will find crisp apple and citrus layered with warming brown spice. The body is full and satisfying, while the acidity is lively and clean, creating a cup that feels both structured and expressive.
Why This Coffee Matters
Kenya Muinami is more than a single origin offering. It represents restoration of land, investment in community, and a farmer committed to raising the standard of specialty coffee in his region. It reflects the kind of partnership we value most, one built on transparency, quality, and shared growth.
We are grateful to bring this exceptional coffee to you and honored to support Stephen and Lilian’s work in Cherengany Hills. Every cup is a testament to careful cultivation, thoughtful processing, and the belief that prosperity grows where people are willing to bend toward the work.
Here’s to a fantastic month ahead, and thank you for being part of what makes Vienna such a welcoming and special place.
AT VIENNA COFFEE COMPANY…
Our dedication to ensuring that we are a market leader in craft coffee throughout the southeast dictates that we apply the same critical scrutiny used for our complete coffee lineup to any product we offer.
This commitment demonstrates our continued pursuit to provide craft coffee that enriches the lives of customers and producers alike by providing an experience grounded in excellence and hospitality. We custom-pick our green coffee beans from regions across The Coffee Belt and always seek responsible sourcing from seed to cup.
Our roasting team ensures each bean varietal is roasted according to its characteristics to enhance its peak flavors. Vienna Coffee Company goes further by evaluating each varietal harvest through coffee cuppings to evaluate and adjust its roasting profile.
Explore our complete line of coffees online or stop by the Coffee House and let our baristas do the brewing for you. We hope that exploring what we offer (whether it’s organic, single-origin, a VCC custom blend, or your favorite flavored coffee) continues your journey in discovering that “Great Coffee is an Adventure.”