Kenya Khachonge

Description

Bungoma is a region with a tough character. Mountains, rugged terrain, sharp changes in altitude and unpredictable weather. The soil here is fertile, but it only rewards those willing to put in the work.

Most of the local population belongs to the Luhya people, known for their independence and a strong sense of responsibility for their work. In the mountains, there’s no relying on luck or outside help: those who endure are the ones who know how to work hard and keep their word. This is taught from childhood: if you want a good life, work hard and do your job well; there is no other way. Food on the table and the family’s income depend entirely on your own hands.

This way of life is directly reflected in the coffee. Every farmer takes care of their plot and is personally responsible for each tree. The cherries are hand-picked selectively, with only ripe ones harvested. Quality control here is not a formality but a matter of reputation and survival. In the mountains, carelessness comes at too high a price, so there is simply no room for it.

The farm covers about 30 acres (12 hectares). The landscape is constantly changing: hills give way to short, steep plains and then rise again. The farm is run by a large family of around 40 people, headed by Bernard. He inherited the land from his grandmother, and in time it will pass to his son. Coffee has been grown here for 130 years, and the harvest is still picked by hand in two to three passes.