Our Story

ALISON TUIYOTT

FOUNDER & USA IMPORTER

From the Hills of Kenya to the Heart of America

In the rolling, misty landscapes of Nandi Hills, where the air is rich with the aroma of coffee blossoms, the story of Lion Hills Coffee begins. Here, on the legendary Lion Hills Coffee Farms in Tinderet, generations of farmers have dedicated their lives to cultivating some of the world’s finest coffee. One of those farmers is Edward Barngetuny, a third-generation steward of the land, whose family has perfected the craft of coffee growing over decades.  

From this fertile soil, a dream took root—one carried across continents by Alison Tuiyott, a first-generation Kenyan-American with a vision to change the coffee industry in the United States.  

A Passion Brewed in Heritage

Alison’s love for coffee was nurtured from childhood, where every morning in her family’s Kenyan home began with the ritual of brewing fresh coffee—coffee that had been grown, harvested, and processed by people she knew. To her, coffee was more than a beverage; it was a story of resilience, tradition, and connection.  

But when Alison moved to the United States, she quickly realized something was missing. The coffee she found on supermarket shelves was often far removed from its origins. Prices were high, yet the farmers who had nurtured the beans saw little of the reward. The supply chain was crowded with middlemen, diluting both the quality of the coffee and the fairness of its trade.  

That’s when she asked herself: What if coffee lovers in America could experience the true essence of farm-to-cup coffee while ensuring that the hardworking farmers behind each bean were truly valued?  

A New Kind of Coffee Experience

Driven by this question, Alison founded Lion Hills Coffee USA LLC, a brand that eliminates unnecessary players in the supply chain, ensuring that every cup tells the authentic story of its origins. With direct sourcing from her cousin’s farm in Kenya, Lion Hills Coffee guarantees freshness, ethical sourcing, and a taste that embodies the rich volcanic soils of Nandi County.  

Philadelphia became the first home for Lion Hills Coffee in the United States, a city known for its rich cultural tapestry and appreciation for bold, authentic flavors. From here, the brand is poised to expand, bringing a taste of Kenyan excellence to coffee lovers across the country.  

More Than Coffee—A Movement

Lion Hills Coffee USA is more than just a coffee brand; it’s a movement towards a transparent, farmer-first coffee culture. It’s about honoring heritage while innovating for the future. It’s about making sure that when you sip your morning brew, you know exactly where it comes from and who it supports.  

With every bag of Lion Hills Coffee, you’re not just buying coffee—you’re becoming part of a story that spans generations, continents, and cultures.  

Welcome to Lion Hills Coffee USA. From the slopes of Nandi to your cup—where tradition meets passion, and every sip has a purpose.

EDWARD BARNGETUNY

FARMER

Edward Barngetuny 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.

Vision

To be a leading provider of premium, ethically sourced Kenyan coffee in Philadelphia and beyond, connecting coffee lovers with the rich flavors of Lion Hills Coffee Farm.

Mission

To sustainably source, roast, and distribute high-quality Kenyan coffee while promoting the rich heritage of Kenyan coffee to a global audience.