In recent years, coffee certification schemes such as
Fairtrade (FT) and Utz have triggered a number of developments in the Kenyan smallholder coffee sector. These include
increased awareness of good agricultural practices, upgrading
of processing practices, attention for environmental concerns,
improved working conditions, record keeping, traceability and
cooperative governance. The demand for certified coffee, however, remains considerably lower than the supply. In 2012, less
than one third of the certified coffee in Kenya (28% for Utz,
30% for FT) was sold as certified coffee (i.e., using the
Fairtrade- or Utz-Certified label) (personal communication,
representative Kenya Coffee Traders Association, February 1,
2013)