Project Description

Kenya
Tonny Gitonga
Sankara Nairobi

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:

My grandfather owns a coffee farm and most of my childhood was with him but I never had any interest in learning about coffee. With this background, I was shocked to have coffee change my life in such a transformative and exciting way, especially because i never took notice of it or even liked its taste. I am now a proud barista at Sankara Nairobi and I take every day as an opportunity to change people’s perspective on coffee just as mine was changed.

What are you excited to do while you are in Amsterdam?:

Indulge in its coffee tradition!

Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:

2016 Kenya National Barista Championship – 17th Place
2016 Latte Art Throwdown  – 1st Runner-Up
2017 Kenya National Barista Championship – 5th Place
2017 Aeropress Championship – 5th Place
2018 Kenya National Barista Championship  – Winner

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:

Sankara Nairobi, Nairobi School of Coffee, and Dormans Coffee.

How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:

It will move from a quantitative commodity to a qualitative experience with deeper awareness and a seamless connection from farmer to barista to consumer.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:

As a brand ambassador for speciality coffees in Africa connecting farmers and barista.

What are your interests outside of coffee?:

Watching and playing Soccer. Watching movies.  Travelling.