Kanzu Station

The story

Kanzu washing station began operations in 2003 as one of the few facilities in Rwanda processing fully washed specialty coffee. The station faced significant financial instability in its early years, which made consistent operation difficult for local owners. In 2012, the facility was purchased by C. Dorman, a Nairobi-based company that has since invested in infrastructure, agronomic training, and quality control programs.

Challenges

The remote station lacks direct road access and operates in a cool, mountainous environment near Nyungwe Forest, requiring careful cherry logistics and quality control.

Innovations

Kanzu separates lots through the harvest and applies careful flotation, fermentation, drying, and quality-control practices. Both washed and natural lots have been released; exact methods must be verified per coffee.