Our Story
Our Journey Together
Today, Karunguru Estate stands as a vital pillar for both Karunguru Coffee and the Karunguru Gated Community. It embodies a legacy that has been cherished and passed down through generations, reflecting a profound commitment to craftsmanship and community values. This estate is not just a physical space; it is a narrative woven through time, reminding us of the significance of our roots and the traditions that shape our identity.
Karunguru Estate continues to grow each year, symbolizing resilience and dedication. Rooted in the land’s rich history, it honors past stories while paving the way for future generations. With its beautiful landscapes and vibrant community, it stands as a testament to our shared heritage, inviting all to join this ongoing narrative.
Where It All Began
1928
Establishing Karunguru Coffee Estates in Kenya
In 1919, following World War I, George James Glassford relocated from New Zealand to Kenya, acquiring a property known as “Ridgeville,” which later became Karunguru Coffee Estates. He began developing the farm by planting coffee trees and constructing a home. Despite the global depression, the coffee farm prospered. In 1920, George married Alice Bertha Schmidt, and they had two daughters, Brenda and Christine, initially living in a mud hut until their permanent home was completed in 1928. Alongside coffee production, they also made butter and cheese from their dairy herd for sale in Nairobi. After World War II, George married Kathleen Bird in 1943. They had two children, John James Glassford (born in 1944) and his sister (born in 1945).
1973
The Story of GK Kariithi
n November 1973, Ridge Farm was transferred from the Madhvani Group to GK Kariithi, who then renamed it Karunguru Coffee Estate. The Kariithi family has since continued to cultivate and harvest some of the region’s finest coffee. Kariithi’s legacy stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a nation carving its own path. His story offers insights into Kenya’s past and teaches invaluable lessons on the enduring virtues of selflessness and vision in leadership. His contributions during Kenya’s early independence years are celebrated, filling an essential gap in the country’s history, while the Kariithi family continues to cultivate some of the region’s finest coffee.
Early Life and Rise to Leadership
Kariithi’s journey began in a colony striving for self-rule, and he emerged as a key figure during the dawn of independence, offering valuable insights into the political and social dynamics of the era. His ascent reflects the transition from colonial rule to self-governance, highlighting his influential role in shaping the nation’s trajectory.
Early Life and Rise to Leadership
Kariithi’s career encompassed both significant achievements and humbling setbacks. His journey is a testament to the resilience and fortitude required to prioritise the country’s welfare over personal ambition. Through his experiences, the impact of selfless leadership and the enduring vision needed to guide a nation through its formative years is evident.
Legacy and Lessons
Kariithi’s legacy stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a nation carving its own path. His story offers insights into Kenya’s past and teaches invaluable lessons on the enduring virtues of selflessness and vision in leadership. His contributions during Kenya’s early independence years are celebrated, filling an essential gap in the country’s history, while the Kariithi family continues to cultivate some of the region’s finest coffee.
2012
The Beginning of Karunguru Gated Community Idea
In 2012, the family discussed converting part of the farm into a commercial property with lifestyle features such as residential villas, equestrian sports, a coffee museum, and a renewable energy plant. Present-day Karunguru Farm retains its traditional charm, with the house still standing almost 91 years later. Some of the original wooden floors remain intact, enriching the space with historical beauty. The history of Karunguru Coffee Estate is a testament to the enduring spirit of its founders and caretakers, from its early development to its modern aspirations.
2024
Executing the Karunguru Gated Community Concept
The Karunguru Gated Community aims to be a exquisite residential enclave that embodies the essence of countryside living. More than just a place to reside, it serves as a sanctuary where families thrive, values endure, and nature is respected. Nestled in stunning landscapes, the community offers modern amenities designed to enhance quality of life while fostering a sense of belonging. With a commitment to sustainability, Karunguru invites families to create lasting memories in an environment that nurtures both the soul and the Earth.
1928
Establishing Karunguru Coffee Estates in Kenya
In 1919, following World War I, George James Glassford relocated from New Zealand to Kenya, acquiring a property known as “Ridgeville,” which later became Karunguru Coffee Estates. He began developing the farm by planting coffee trees and constructing a home. Despite the global depression, the coffee farm prospered. In 1920, George married Alice Bertha Schmidt, and they had two daughters, Brenda and Christine, initially living in a mud hut until their permanent home was completed in 1928. Alongside coffee production, they also made butter and cheese from their dairy herd for sale in Nairobi. After World War II, George married Kathleen Bird in 1943. They had two children, John James Glassford (born in 1944) and his sister (born in 1945).
1973
The Story of GK Kariithi
n November 1973, Ridge Farm was transferred from the Madhvani Group to GK Kariithi, who then renamed it Karunguru Coffee Estate. The Kariithi family has since continued to cultivate and harvest some of the region’s finest coffee. Kariithi’s legacy stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a nation carving its own path. His story offers insights into Kenya’s past and teaches invaluable lessons on the enduring virtues of selflessness and vision in leadership. His contributions during Kenya’s early independence years are celebrated, filling an essential gap in the country’s history, while the Kariithi family continues to cultivate some of the region’s finest coffee.
Early Life and Rise to Leadership
Kariithi’s journey began in a colony striving for self-rule, and he emerged as a key figure during the dawn of independence, offering valuable insights into the political and social dynamics of the era. His ascent reflects the transition from colonial rule to self-governance, highlighting his influential role in shaping the nation’s trajectory.
Early Life and Rise to Leadership
Kariithi’s career encompassed both significant achievements and humbling setbacks. His journey is a testament to the resilience and fortitude required to prioritise the country’s welfare over personal ambition. Through his experiences, the impact of selfless leadership and the enduring vision needed to guide a nation through its formative years is evident.
Legacy and Lessons
Kariithi’s legacy stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a nation carving its own path. His story offers insights into Kenya’s past and teaches invaluable lessons on the enduring virtues of selflessness and vision in leadership. His contributions during Kenya’s early independence years are celebrated, filling an essential gap in the country’s history, while the Kariithi family continues to cultivate some of the region’s finest coffee.
2012
The Beginning of Karunguru Gated Community Idea
In 2012, the family discussed converting part of the farm into a commercial property with lifestyle features such as residential villas, equestrian sports, a coffee museum, and a renewable energy plant. Present-day Karunguru Farm retains its traditional charm, with the house still standing almost 91 years later. Some of the original wooden floors remain intact, enriching the space with historical beauty. The history of Karunguru Coffee Estate is a testament to the enduring spirit of its founders and caretakers, from its early development to its modern aspirations.
2024
Executing the Karunguru Gated Community Concept
The Karunguru Gated Community aims to be a exquisite residential enclave that embodies the essence of countryside living. More than just a place to reside, it serves as a sanctuary where families thrive, values endure, and nature is respected. Nestled in stunning landscapes, the community offers modern amenities designed to enhance quality of life while fostering a sense of belonging. With a commitment to sustainability, Karunguru invites families to create lasting memories in an environment that nurtures both the soul and the Earth.
The Karunguru Brands
Karunguru is a heritage brand rooted in the rich, fertile lands of Kenya, with over 100 years of coffee farming excellence. The brand encompasses two additional distinct yet interconnected entities, Karunguru coffee and Kaurnguru coffee tours.
Karunguru Coffee
A Legacy in Coffee Farming
Founded in 1928, Karunguru Coffee Estates carries forward a rich heritage. Acquired by Geoffrey Karekia Kariithi, who renamed it Karunguru to honor his family’s farming legacy, the estate has grown into a leading producer of single-origin specialty coffee.Karunguru’s dedication to quality shines through meticulous processes, from hand-picking and wet-processing cherries to sun-drying and small-batch roasting. This approach captures the distinct flavor profiles of varieties like SL 28, Ruiru 11, and Batians, nurtured in fertile volcanic soil.
Distinctive Coffee Varieties
- House Coffee Ground: Medium-bodied with florals, berries, and dark chocolate.
- Espresso Ground: Floral notes with rich dark chocolate, smooth and balanced.
- Dark Roast Ground: Bold, with caramel and dark chocolate notes.
- Medium Roast Ground: Floral, molasses, berry, and citrus with a chocolate finish.
Karunguru Coffee delivers a premium experience, offering coffee lovers an authentic taste of Kenya’s rich coffee heritage in every cup.
Karunguru Coffee & Tours
Showcasing Kenyan Heritage and Quality
Established by the Karunguru family in 2015, Karunguru Coffee Tours is an homage to Kenya’s rich coffee heritage. Born from a desire to honor the family’s legacy and promote the quality of Kenyan coffee, the tours offer visitors a unique, immersive experience, exploring the entire coffee journey from farm to cup. The Karunguru family’s journey into the coffee industry started unexpectedly at a Tea & Coffee Festival. This initial success led to the creation of Karunguru Coffee Tours, where visitors now enjoy an authentic journey that includes cultivation, harvesting, and roasting processes.Determined to go beyond traditional coffee trade, Karunguru focused on value addition by connecting directly with consumers. This approach allows them to emphasize the unique flavors and heritage of Kenyan coffee while promoting sustainable practices and community support.
Recognized with the Magical Kenya Signature Experience award, Karunguru Coffee Tours showcases Kenya’s best, drawing visitors from around the world to experience Kenya’s coffee culture firsthand. The tour highlights sustainability efforts, including fair trade practices, eco-friendly farming, and support for local communities.Karunguru Coffee Tours preserves the estate’s heritage while enriching Kenya’s tourism industry, supporting local farmers, and creating jobs. This experience serves as a bridge between Kenya’s storied past and its thriving coffee future, providing a memorable, high-quality coffee journey for visitors.
Karunguru Coffee Bistro
A Global Coffee Experience (Coming soon)
Set to open in the heart of Karunguru Gated Community, the Karunguru Coffee Bistro will offer a globally inspired coffee experience like no other. While it will proudly showcase the legacy of Karunguru Coffee—built on three generations of producing premium 100% Arabica coffee on the slopes of Mount Kenya—the bistro will become a melting pot of coffee cultures from around the world.
In addition to serving our own hand-selected and small-batch roasted coffee, the bistro will feature a diverse range of exceptional coffees sourced from renowned coffee-growing regions across the globe. From the bold flavours of South American blends to the delicate notes of Ethiopian brews, our menu will offer a curated selection that celebrates the diversity of coffee.
Guests will not only explore the rich heritage of Karunguru Coffee but also embark on a global coffee journey, sampling distinct flavours from various regions. With each cup, the bistro will provide an immersive experience, connecting coffee lovers with the world’s finest coffee traditions—all in a serene and welcoming setting that will reflect the tranquil beauty of Karunguru Coffee Estates.
The Karunguru Coffee Bistro will soon become the destination for an extraordinary coffee experience, where the world’s finest brews come together in one unforgettable place.
Karunguru Coffee Museum
A Global Journey of Coffee
The Karunguru Coffee Museum is envisioned as a world-class destination, designed to transcend the boundaries of local coffee heritage and establish a global narrative. Rooted in the rich history of Karunguru’s nearly century-old coffee farm, the museum will be a global hub showcasing coffee varieties from around the world. Visitors will embark on an international journey, exploring the diverse cultures, techniques, and flavours that define coffee as a global phenomenon.
From the celebrated Kenyan coffee beans to exotic varieties from Latin America, Asia, and beyond, the Karunguru Coffee Museum will offer discovery, education, and appreciation. Through interactive displays, tastings, and expert-guided experiences, visitors will gain insights into coffee’s global influence, its intricate cultivation processes, and its ability to connect communities worldwide. Not only will the museum highlight Karunguru’s award-winning coffee, but it will also tell the stories of farmers and enthusiasts from coffee-growing regions across the world. This positions Karunguru as a gateway to both local heritage and international coffee culture.
