The Java House Foundation and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology have launched a scholarship programme to train 35 young people in coffee technology and quality management.

The NextGen Coffee Leaders programme targets youth aged 18 to 30 from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those from coffee-growing communities and women who have historically had limited access to formal careers in the coffee sector, Soko Directory reported on 23 October 2026.

The first cohort began in September 2026: 20 students pursuing a Diploma in Coffee Technology and Cupping, and 15 undertaking a Certificate in Coffee Technology and Quality Management. Scholars receive full tuition, a monthly living stipend, access to DeKUT's specialised training laboratories, and structured internship placements at select cooperative societies and the Java House roastery.

The programme was formally kicked off at Java's commercial kitchen, Foodscape, in Industrial Area, Nairobi, where Maureen Mithamo, Head of Corporate Affairs at Java House Africa, spoke about the value of home-grown talent for Kenya's coffee sector. Dr Daniel Njoroge, Director of DeKUT's Institute of Food Bioresources Technology, said the partnership reflects the role of applied higher education in preparing industry-ready professionals.

Separately, DeKUT hosted the 6th KUSF Handball and Netball Championship on 17–18 October 2026, at which Kenyatta University met Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in the men's handball final, according to a YouTube broadcast description. The result of that final has not been verified and is not stated here.

DeKUT's notice board for October 2026 also lists university and DeKUTSO bursaries, undergraduate research assistant opportunities, a graduate assistant position, successful work-study applicants for September–December 2026, and vacancies in the DeKUTSO Electoral Commission. Deadlines and detail for those notices were not opened and are not stated here.

What we could not verify: the monthly stipend amount; the names of the cooperative societies hosting internships; the KUSF handball final result; any DeKUT-specific resumption notice dated 29–31 October.

SOURCES:

- Soko Directory, 23 October 2026, 11:22 UTC (NextGen Coffee Leaders launch; 35 scholars; tuition, stipend, laboratories, internships; Mithamo and Njoroge quotes as reported): https://sokodirectory.com/2026/10/java-house-foundation-and-dekut-launch-programme-to-improve-skilling-in-kenyas-coffee-sector/

- KUSF Handball and Netball Championship, 17–18 October 2026, DeKUT (final pairing only; result unverified): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2-TuKSs0NE

- DeKUT notice board, October 2026: https://www.dkut.ac.ke/