Dr. Elijah K. Gichuru is a Principal Chief Research Scientist and the Institute Director of the Coffee Research Institute (CRI), under the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
He holds BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees from The University of Nairobi in Agriculture and Plant Pathology. He worked with the Ministry of Agriculture before joining the then Coffee Research Foundation (CRF) in 1994.
He has over 30 years of work experience, has published numerous papers and book chapters, participated in conferences, and mentored and supervised young scientists from different countries.
He is responsible for the coordination and promotion of research into the coffee value chain and has developed linkages with national and international institutions.
Dr. Gichuru has received various research grants, implemented multidisciplinary and multinational projects in agriculture, and is a member of national agricultural sector committees. He has also chaired the African Coffee Research Network (ACRN) and is an active member of several professional groups in agricultural sciences.
Principal Chief Research Scientist & Director, CRI
Raphaël Prime began his coffee journey 15 years ago in Brazil, working as a coffee cherry picker to gain hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the coffee value chain, from tree to cup.
In 2013, Raphaël became the first French Q-Grader. Since then, he has built a well-respected career as a seasoned specialty coffee merchant, working across the USA, Europe, the UK, Central America, and Brazil, and for the past nine years in East Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Throughout his career, Raphaël has spearheaded numerous specialty coffee projects, trained and managed quality control teams across various origins, and served as a judge for prestigious coffee competitions, including as a jury member for the Cup of Excellence.
As the founder of The East African School of Coffee, Raphaël is committed to empowering coffee professionals, from farmers to baristas, by sharing the extensive knowledge and expertise he has gained throughout his career.
With over eight years of experience in the coffee industry, Teresia "Terry" Maina has developed a rich expertise in the art and science of coffee making.
Terry has advanced the skills and passion of many baristas and raised the standards of coffee preparation and quality. Her efforts have positively impacted the wider coffee community.
In 2024, Terry was crowned Kenya Barista Champion and represented Kenya at the World Barista Championship (WBC) in South Korea, making her country proud with her skill, creativity, and dedication.
As EASC Head Trainer, Terry is passionate about promoting local coffee culture to empower coffee professionals at every level, from farmers to baristas. She works closely with farmers to help them understand their coffee quality and connect with better markets, creating a stronger, more sustainable industry.
Terry’s focus on teaching and collaboration drives her mission to improve coffee standards in Kenya. She continues to inspire and lead, paving the way for a thriving coffee industry that benefits all stakeholders.
EASC Head Trainer & Coffee Lab Manager, The East African School of Coffee (Nairobi, Kenya)
Raphaël Prime began his coffee journey 15 years ago in Brazil, working as a coffee cherry picker to gain hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the coffee value chain, from tree to cup.
In 2013, Raphaël became the first French Q-Grader. Since then, he has built a well-respected career as a seasoned specialty coffee merchant, working across the USA, Europe, the UK, Central America, and Brazil, and for the past nine years in East Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
Throughout his career, Raphaël has spearheaded numerous specialty coffee projects, trained and managed quality control teams across various origins, and served as a judge for prestigious coffee competitions, including as a jury member for the Cup of Excellence.
As the founder of The East African School of Coffee, Raphaël is committed to empowering coffee professionals, from farmers to baristas, by sharing the extensive knowledge and expertise he has gained throughout his career.
Founder and CEO, The East African School of Coffee (Nairobi, Kenya)
Jacob Elster is a co-founder of Crop to Cup Coffee Importers who represent leading farmers to top roasters in the N. American specialty coffee market.
With a professional background in international development and entrepreneurship, and a Masters from Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy, Elster has focused on creating transparent and equitable supply chains that engage producers in the pursuit of quality, and invert the buyer-seller relationship.
Crop to Cup is known for facilitating direct, long-term, two-way relationships with transparent pricing, a focus on capacity building, and aligning incentives to invest in quality.
