ABOUT US
Alison Tuiyott - Founder
Is a first generation Kenyan-American. On a journey to reconnect with her Kenyan roots, she reached out to her cousin, Edward Barngetuny. In an effort to reduce the amount of players in the farm to cup supply chain, Alison opened Lion Hills Coffee USA LLC. With the goal to import Kenyan specialty coffee directly from Lion Hills Farm, we aim to provide a direct connection to the farmer for local roasters in the United States.
Alison Tuiyott - Founder
Is a first generation Kenyan-American. On a journey to reconnect with her Kenyan roots, she reached out to her cousin, Edward Barngetuny. In an effort to reduce the amount of players in the farm to cup supply chain, Alison opened Lion Hills Coffee USA LLC. With the goal to import Kenyan specialty coffee directly from Lion Hills Farm, we aim to provide a direct connection to the farmer for local roasters in the United States.
EDWARD BARNGETUNY - FARMER
Is a third generation farmer and is the legacy behind Lion Hills Coffee. The Barngetuny name means Lion Slayer; it was given to his great grandfather in the late 1800s because he was a warrior who used to hunt lions. In Kenyan tradition, the surname or last name is provided with a description of the parent. A prefix-like descriptor is used, such as “Arap”, to mean son to or son of. Edward’s grandfather was named Arap Barngetuny, meaning son to the lion slayer. Edward’s father was the grandson of the lion slayer, making Edward the great grandson to the lion slayer.
Their coffee journey started in 1974, when Edward’s grandfather, Arap Barngetuny, bought a parcel of land in Tinderet, Nandi County. His goal was to farm not only coffee but tea, sugar cane and dairy. Later, he formed a company called Lion Hills after his father’s legacy and the many hills that surrounded the farm.
Edward Barngetuny started the specialty coffee journey in 2017 when he partnered with a missionary school, Cross Roads, to sell coffee to Germany. This particular micro-lot has undergone the natural anaerobic process, ensuring the coffee fruit is fermented for three days with water to give it a mandarin-sweet molasses finish. The Natural Anaerobic process is the first experiment of its kind. The rest of the washed process is similar to what is commonly done in the area. Edward’s vision is to educate his community and others about the art of coffee from seed to cup and to emphasize the value of the essence of coffee.
EDWARD BARNGETUNY - FARMER
Is a third generation farmer and is the legacy behind Lion Hills Coffee. The Barngetuny name means Lion Slayer; it was given to his great grandfather in the late 1800s because he was a warrior who used to hunt lions. In Kenyan tradition, the surname or last name is provided with a description of the parent. A prefix-like descriptor is used, such as “Arap”, to mean son to or son of. Edward’s grandfather was named Arap Barngetuny, meaning son to the lion slayer. Edward’s father was the grandson of the lion slayer, making Edward the great grandson to the lion slayer.
Their coffee journey started in 1974, when Edward’s grandfather, Arap Barngetuny, bought a parcel of land in Tinderet, Nandi County. His goal was to farm not only coffee but tea, sugar cane and dairy. Later, he formed a company called Lion Hills after his father’s legacy and the many hills that surrounded the farm.
Edward Barngetuny started the specialty coffee journey in 2017 when he partnered with a missionary school, Cross Roads, to sell coffee to Germany. This particular micro-lot has undergone the natural anaerobic process, ensuring the coffee fruit is fermented for three days with water to give it a mandarin-sweet molasses finish. The Natural Anaerobic process is the first experiment of its kind. The rest of the washed process is similar to what is commonly done in the area. Edward’s vision is to educate his community and others about the art of coffee from seed to cup and to emphasize the value of the essence of coffee.