Kinini Washing Station

Producer - 48 Producers
Growing Region - Kinini Village, Rulindo, Rwanda
Cultivar - Bourbon
Growing Elevation - 1,800-2,000 Meters
Processing Method - Washed, Dried on Raised Beds.

The Kinini project, meaning "this big thing right here," is a collaboration of cooperatives, with 85% female members, aiming to uplift coffee growers. Established in Kinini town, it includes a washing station that sources from Tumba and Mageragere. The founders, Jacquie Turner and Malcolm Clear, began with a mission to support children in Eastern Rwanda but expanded their vision to empower communities through sustainable coffee production.

In 2014, they secured a unique agreement to provide local farmers with coffee trees, training, and resources, with the farmers delivering cherries to Kinini's washing station. This innovative approach, backed by the Rwandan Development Bank, laid the groundwork for transforming an underutilized region north of Kigali into a thriving coffee-producing area. Their meticulous efforts led to the first significant harvest in 2017, with quality coffee scoring 87 points, a nearly unheard of accomplishment.

Kinini focuses on fair practices, gender equity, and continuous improvement. The cooperative reinvests profits into the community, enhancing farmers' autonomy. Future plans include a new cupping lab, a dry mill, and a satellite project to optimize farming. Kinini's journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a commitment to sustainable growth and empowerment.