Some coffee factories are joining certification schemes such as the Ruthanga Utz Kapeh project that demand certain social and environmental production standards in exchange for higher prices from consumers.

But while the certification practice has taken root among large-scale coffee estates, small-holders are only just joining in.

"Last year, by virtue of us being associated with Utz Kapeh we had the best prices. Our factory sold coffee at $385 per bag which was one of the highest at that time," said Wachira Ndei, Ruthanga Utz Kapeh project coordinator.

Utz Kapeh, a Netherlands-based scheme, promotes good agricultural practices and worker welfare. Other certification schemes include Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, Organic and Bird Friendly.

Two factories in Kenya's main coffee growing region of Nyeri, the Ruthangati and Ngandu factories, are pioneering certification of coffee in the small-holder sector.

The process involves submitting to rigorous audits to ensure farmers comply with international codes of conduct and are educated on proper crop husbandry to promote quality.

"If we can urge our farmers to grow quality coffee, the market is ready to pay a premium price," Ndei said.

TOO MANY SCHEMES?

The widening range of certification schemes has been criticised for confusing consumers while others take issue with the high cost involved in meeting certification requirements.

But officials said Kenyan farmers have no option.

"It is high time farmers embraced it. That is what the market is demanding," said Bernard Gichovi, the Coffee Board of Kenya's area manager for Nyeri, Kirinyaga and Embu.

Overseas companies are also setting up projects with Kenyan farmers to boost their incomes and promote the environment.

Starbucks Corp is sponsoring a coffee factory to conserve the environment and improve the quality of coffee.

The US company has promised to purchase coffee from Kiamariga Coffee Factory to help farmers who have been facing serious problems from marauding animals from Mount Kenya.

"The vice president of Starbucks was here during the launch of the project in October and he promised that they can buy our coffee if only that the quality is good," Johnson Thoithi, the manager for Kiamariga Coffee Factory told Reuters.