Where the Rain Sleeps, Gondo AB, Kenya
Region: Kihoya, Murang’a, Kenya
Producers: 727 producers delivering to Gondo Coffee Company Wet Mill
Process: Washed
Varieties: SL 28, K7, Ruiru 11 and Batian
Altitude: 1,900 MASL
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We LOVE Kenyan coffees here at Little Waves Coffee. Their classic profile zings in your mouth and leaves a lingering finish that is just like no other coffee. This particular Kenyan floored our team with its delicate floral aromas and beautiful, complex dark berry characteristics. We're excited to have this AB from this region.
Gondo Coffee Factory
Established in 1998, Gondo Coffee Factory sits in the Kihoya subregion of Mathioya District, Murang’a County, where 727 smallholder farmers bring their harvests. Each producer tends just 1–2 hectares of land, nurturing their coffee trees with care and attention passed down through generations.
After careful picking, farmers hand-select only ripe red cherries, and then make a second pass to separate underripes, overripes, and any foreign matter. Harvested cherries are delivered to the factory the same day and processed with fresh water from the nearby Kananahu stream. Water is recirculated to reduce environmental impact before being safely filtered through evaporation and seepage pits.
At the mill, coffee undergoes fermentation for 16–18 hours to remove mucilage, followed by washing, grading, and sun-drying on raised beds. Moisture meters ensure consistency, and once dry, parchment is hulled, sorted, and bagged with care.
The farms of Kihoya benefit from two rainy seasons: the longer rains between April and June bring the main crop, while shorter rains in October and November produce a smaller fly crop. This climate, combined with volcanic soils and proximity to Mount Kenya, creates ideal growing conditions that contribute to the region’s remarkable coffees.
Beyond coffee, the region teems with biodiversity—from neem trees and native plants to wildlife like deer, hares, owls, and weaverbirds. Life here is closely tied to both the land and Kikuyu culture, with most people speaking Kikuyu dialects and practicing long-held traditions.
Like many rural farming communities, Kihoya faces challenges. Education costs limit school access, and young people often leave for cities in search of opportunity, leaving farms to older generations. Yet, many families continue to see hope in coffee—believing that quality and resilience in their work today can open better possibilities for their children tomorrow.
At Little Waves, we are honored to share the collective story of the producers surrounding the Gondo Coffee Factory and the extraordinary coffee they grow. Their dedication shines through every cup.