Nairobi, Kenya — June 2026 — GS1 Oman recently completed a remarkable visit to Kenya, immersing themselves in the country’s world-renowned coffee culture. The delegation explored the vibrant landscapes, met with local farmers, and experienced firsthand the dedication behind Kenya’s globally celebrated coffee industry.
The journey highlighted the deep connection between tradition and innovation in Kenyan coffee production. The delegation had the opportunity to visit coffee farmers and tour their production sites, where GS1 Oman witnessed how careful cultivation and sustainable practices contribute to the rich flavors that define Kenyan coffee.
Kenya’s coffee industry employs more than 700,000 smallholder farmers and contributes nearly 5% of the nation’s agricultural GDP. With global demand for traceable and ethically sourced coffee rising, the integration of GS1 standards has become increasingly vital. By implementing digital identifiers and barcoding systems, GS1 enables seamless tracking of coffee from farm to consumer, ensuring authenticity, compliance with international trade regulations, and access to premium markets.
During the visit, GS1 Oman Chairman Dr. Said had a Q&A session with Latifah Wanjiru on the Traceability TV platform, where he highlighted the role of trusted and transparent barcoding systems enabled through GS1 standards. He explained that compliance is not merely about regulation, but about understanding the importance of traceability and speaking a common language of business. For Dr. Said, traceability is a value-added product one that builds trust and ensures businesses can operate confidently across borders. He was joined by Mr. Al-Qassabi Waleed Khalid, a GS1 Oman member who expressed strong interest in investing in Kenyan coffee. Inspired by the exceptional quality of Kenya’s coffee, Mr. Khalid hopes to introduce this product to Oman, opening new markets and elevating GS1 Kenya’s Shamba ikoNET platform onto the international stage. While coffee may be the starting point, Dr. Said’s vision extends further: he aims to attract investors into diverse sectors, creating opportunities that will strengthen trade ties between Kenya and Oman.
“This journey was not only about experiencing Kenya’s rich coffee heritage but also about reinforcing the importance of global standards in building resilient supply chains,” said GS1 Oman Chairman Said. “By applying GS1 identifiers and traceability systems, we ensure that Kenyan coffee reaches international markets with integrity and transparency.”
GS1 Kenya extends its sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of this tour. Special recognition goes to Goldrock Kenya Enterprise Limited and Mburu farm whose collaboration and support made this journey possible. Their commitment exemplifies the spirit of partnership that strengthens both local and international supply chains.
The visit was documented in a special feature video by GS1 Kenya Digital media team, capturing the delegation’s experiences and the transformative impact of GS1 standards on Kenya’s coffee sector.
Watch the full journey here: https://youtu.be/cEaW2RN_vLM?si=oj6bfe3oHml14fQS
By The Tracker media
