UoEm’s Prof. Gichimu Becomes First African Laureate of the Kaldi Award

Prof. Bernard Mukiri Gichimu, an Associate Professor in Plant Breeding and Horticulture at the University of Embu, has made history as the first African laureate of the Kaldi Award. He was honoured with the Kaldi Award 2026 in the Green Coffee category, during the International Coffee Convention (ICC 2026) held in Trieste, Italy, on 19^th – 20^th October 2026.  The award recognises his scientific contributions made under his affiliation with the University of Embu, where much of his recognised research work was undertaken.

Established in 2016 by Coffee Consulate, a coffee research institute based in Mannheim, Germany, the Kaldi Award recognises outstanding scientific achievement across the coffee value chain. The laureates are selected by an independent international jury of experts. The 2026 edition marked the Award’s tenth anniversary, bringing the total number of laureates recognised, since its establishment, to 28 worldwide.

According to the official award citation, Prof. Gichimu was recognised for his significant contribution to coffee genetics, plant breeding and sustainable cultivation. His research on genetic diversity, disease resistance and the development of improved coffee varieties has supported coffee production in Africa and beyond, linking scientific innovation with the practical needs of farmers and coffee producing regions.

The Kaldi Award has recognised 28 laureates across its six award editions: four in 2016, four in 2018, four in 2020, five in 2023, four in 2024 and seven in 2026. The figures illustrate the awards’ growth over the past decade and the range of scientific disciplines recognised across the coffee value chain.

Prof. Gichimu’s achievement marks a milestone for African coffee science and highlights the international relevance of research undertaken at the University of Embu. By recognising work that connects scientific innovation with the needs of coffee farmers and producing regions, the Kaldi Award underscores the role of research in advancing sustainable coffee production.