The University of Eldoret successfully hosted the 2026 East African Coffee Markets and Conference (EACMC) from 26th to 27th March 2026 at the University Charter Grounds at the Main Campus. The conference marked the first time the regional coffee event was held in Kenya’s western region and attracted hundreds of farmers, exhibitors, researchers, agribusiness stakeholders, and students from across East Africa.

The two-day event brought together 607 external farmers, in addition to numerous University students and staff who participated in the exhibitions, farmers’ clinics, demonstrations, and networking sessions. The conference further strengthened the University’s position as a regional hub for agricultural research, innovation, and extension services.

The collaboration between the University and the East African Coffee Markets and Conference provided significant strategic benefits, including enhanced industry partnerships, increased visibility for the University within the East African agricultural sector, and practical exposure opportunities for students. The event also supported national efforts aimed at promoting coffee value addition, sustainable agriculture, and domestic coffee consumption.

A major highlight of the conference was the Coffee Solution Village, which featured exhibitions by coffee industry players, live cupping demonstrations, public tastings, and practical farmers’ clinics. Farmers received hands-on training and technical support on soil health, fertilizer use, pest and disease management, coffee processing, quality improvement, traceability, and coffee business management. Participants also benefited from on-site diagnosis services through the “Meet the Coffee Doctor” sessions, where soil, leaf, and cherry samples were analyzed and solutions provided.

University researchers and academic staff actively participated in the event by sharing expertise and engaging with farmers and industry stakeholders. Notable participants included Dr. Johana Ngeno from the School of Agriculture and Biotechnology and Dr. Eliud Yego from the School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management.

The conference attracted a wide range of exhibitors from regulatory agencies, financial institutions, agribusiness companies, technology firms, county governments, training institutions, and media organizations. Exhibitors included the Agriculture and Food Authority – Coffee Directorate, Kenya Commercial Bank, County Government of Uasin Gishu, Kenya Valley Development Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, SunCulture, and Smart Farmer Africa, among others.

The closing ceremony was presided over by Prof. Nicholas Makau, who commended the organizers and emphasized the importance of practical agricultural training and partnerships in advancing regional economic development. He also announced that the University of Eldoret will once again host the 2027 East African Coffee Markets and Conference following the success of this year’s event.

Speaking during the event, Ms. Bernadette Murgor thanked the University management for hosting the inaugural exhibition in the western region, noting that the conference would significantly improve market access and visibility for coffee farmers in the region.
The conference also featured the “Flavors of East Africa – West of Rift Competition,” where coffee producers competed across several speciality coffee categories. Mt. Elgon Estate emerged as the overall winner, followed by Kokos Estate and Blazing Barry.
In addition to strengthening academic and industry linkages, the event generated direct revenue for the University through exhibitor fees.

The successful hosting of the East African Coffee Markets and Conference demonstrated the University of Eldoret’s growing capacity to organize high-profile regional events while advancing its agricultural research, innovation, extension, and commercialization agenda.