Programme Overview

• Coffee remains a vital part of Kenya’s heritage and economic identity, and the sector continues to evolve with increasing opportunities for skilled young professionals. To support the next generation of the coffee professionals, the Java House Foundation, in partnership with Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), is offering the Java NextGen Coffee Leaders Scholarship Programme, which provides technical training, practical exposure, mentorship, career guidance, and leadership development to prepare youth for meaningful careers in an increasingly global coffee industry.
• A total of 35 youths will benefit from this initiative, with 20 fully sponsored to pursue a Diploma in Coffee Technology and Cupping and 15 to undertake a Certificate in Coffee Technology and Quality Management. Scholars will receive full tuition and a monthly stipend allowing them to focus fully on building their skills. The initiative aims to nurture a new generation of skilled, confident, and future‑ready coffee professionals who will uplift quality, drive innovation, and contribute to the long‑term resilience and competitiveness of Kenya’s coffee sector.

Scholarship Objectives

The scholarship program seeks to:

• Build a new generation of technically competent coffee professionals
• Improve coffee quality, productivity, and sustainability across the value chain
• Create structured pathways for youth employment and entrepreneurship in the coffee sector
• Promote gender inclusion in coffee-related technical and leadership roles
• Strengthen cooperation between training institutions, cooperatives, and industry

Scholarship Benefits

• Full tuition fees covering all academic, exam, library, and medical fees
• Monthly upkeep stipend to support accommodation, meals, and transport during studies
• World class Hands‑on training using modern equipment at the Coffee Technology Centre at DeKUT.
• Mentorship and career guidance to support scholars’ growth and entry into the sector

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Be a Kenyan citizen
• Must have completed the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or

Equivalent

Meet the academic requirements for the programme you are applying for:

• Diploma in Coffee Technology & Cupping: Applicants should have obtained a minimum of C (minus) in Kenya Certificate of Secondary
• Education (KCSE) or equivalent. Besides the minimum requirements, applicants shall have passed in specific subjects as follows: Biology/Agriculture D+, Chemistry D+, Mathematics D+, Physical and Biological Sciences D+ OR Holders of Stage I certificate in Coffee Technology OR Equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Certificate in Coffee Technology & Quality Management: Applicants should have obtained a minimum of mean of D+ (Plus) in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or equivalent. Besides the minimum requirements, applicants shall have following minimum subject qualifications: Biology/Agriculture D, Chemistry D, Mathematics D, and
• Physical and Biological Sciences D. Applicants with KCSE mean grade of D with relevant coffee certificate training OR one year of experience in the coffee industry will be considered subject to approval by the DeKUT Senate.

Additional Requirements

• Be aged between 18 and 22 years at the time of application
• Demonstrate a clear interest in the coffee sector
• Be willing to commit to the full duration of the training
• Youth from coffee-growing communities are strongly encouraged to apply
• Female applicants are highly encouraged to promote gender balance
• Applicants from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds will be given special consideration