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A new coffee enterprise in Minneapolis is stirring up a movement to uplift small Kenyan farmers.
Co-founded by Lameck Omariba and Peter Kuria, this establishment isn't just another coffee shop adorning the city's streets; it's a social enterprise on a mission to uplift small-scale Kenyan farmers through the transformative power of a humble cup of coffee. The story behind Solai Coffee is deeply intertwined with the personal journey of its co-founder, Lameck Omariba. Raised in a small village in Kisii County, Kenya, Omariba's life was intimately connected to coffee farming. It was here, amidst the lush greenery and fertile soil, that he learned the value of hard work and confronted the bitter reality of the global coffee trade.
The disparity between the price of a cup of coffee in Minneapolis and the modest income of a Kenyan farmer per kilo of coffee beans served as a profound awakening for Omariba. This realization ignited the idea for Solai Coffee which he started three years ago with a clear mission to empower those who cultivate coffee. Solai Coffee's commitment to social impact is evident in its steadfast support for female-operated farms, which comprise 20% to 30% of coffee farms. By developing programs that provide land, credit, and crucial information, Solai Coffee is not only ensuring better yields but also fostering socioeconomic empowerment for these marginalized communities.
Launching during the COVID-19 pandemic posed a unique set of challenges for Solai Coffee. The logistics of shipping coffee to the US were complicated by container shortages as larger companies dominated the shipping industry. Furthermore, Kenyan coffee often gets lost in blends created by US roasters to compete with big coffee brands. With a limited marketing budget, educating consumers about the distinct qualities of Kenyan coffee and advocating for direct and fair trade practices became an uphill battle. Despite these challenges, Omariba's resilience has been the driving force behind Solai Coffee's growth.
Having moved to Minnesota over 30 years ago, he now calls Rogers, MN his home where he resides with his wife and three children. His success can be attributed to his determination, willingness to take risks, and ability to adapt. On June 8th, the enterprise hosted an event that saw attendees savour various brews while engaging in thought-provoking conversations about sustainable farming practices and fair trade. The event also highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses that prioritize social good over mere profit. In addition to serving exceptional coffee, Solai Coffee educates its patrons about the origins of their daily brew thus connecting them directly with the stories of farmers thousands of miles away.
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“Overused by who”? Other people do take coffee in large numbers if Jalous like you do not take coffee! Wacha wivu @ cerenica! You would have been the biggest support of this business if the hard working owner was a Luo. Usituletee wewe fala!
Which line is overused? Can you provide some specifics?
Proud of anyone making an effort to put Kenya in the world’s map - PERIOD!
It’s about time we start supporting our country and it’s people! No matter how horrendous our politicians are!
@ Ceneca, don’t begin to get jealous when someone else is making some head ways while you are just making $10.00 an hour working as CNA in Massachusetts.
Just go get a cup of Joe to keep yourself warm and help a trying brother! Make sure to request Decaf for that matter…!
Here are two guys trying to make it in life without stealing from anyone, but you @Ceneca wants to tell us they are both “overused”! Using such an egregious stupidity makes you look like a dummy in a world where good men are in scarcity.
Well, I read some place where you were reaching out to some dude because Luo men had rejected you! In that note you had said all Kenyan men in the diaspora are losers and are no good. You can just hap on a plane and go look for one naive village boy then!
Don’t ever insult a man’s hand that could one day feed you or offer a hand in marriage as 2nd, 3rd, 4th wife, or a live-in Concubine for that matter. And, for your info any man extending a hand to marry you at you old age will simply be doing you a huge favor!
Why do you have to insult 2 hard working Kenyan men simply because you are jealous of them beats me! Now I can understand why your Luo men have already cast the dice on you because your attitude sucks bigly! Men have an upper hand in the kind of woman they choice to hang around them. Keep in mind there more women than men in this world.
Women from all over the world who know, value and appreciate a good man are chasing after the Kenyan men because they consider them hard working, smart, handsome, and extremely good in bed😂😂😂😂! Kenyan Women are now having to compete at the international level for men. So, Behave and be nice….!!
Thanks for this article. I grew up in a coffee plantation set-up,- i had all the experiences in regards to all the works to put that cherry bean available to the market!!! Presently,all my folks are up on how they can benefit from coffee farming bearing into mind that they don't make much in regards to all their efforts! Please share contacts and insights to benefit farmers,- how farmers can do away with brokers and add value to their products. We have the best coffee!!
This line is overused