In unwelcome news for Kenya’s deputy president, Starbucks has decided not to buck the multinational trader model and buy directly from Kenyan producers. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had, in October 2023, intimated that there are ongoing talks between President William Ruto, himself, and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman to ensure that Starbucks sources their coffee directly from Kenya. This story resembles one from 2019 when the giant firm denied reports of its plans to venture into the Kenyan market. That news offered relief to coffee house chains that were operating in the competitive casual dining segment. Then, the firm also abandoned plans to open a research and support center in central Kenya in 2009. Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting high-quality arabica coffee. Today, with more than 38,000 stores worldwide, the company is the world’s premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup.
