Embu is located in the foothills of Mount Kenya just northeast of Nairobi. The area is high in elevation, experiences two rainy seasons, and has rich soil serviced by six rivers. 80% of households work in agriculture. Thousands of small producers grow coffee and deliver it to hundreds of cooperatives for processing. The region produces 600,000kg of coffee per year.

Gicherori factory was opened in 1997 and is operated by the Kibugu Farmers Cooperative Society (F.C.S.). There are around 1,050 smallholder farmer members, who deliver their cherry to the factory the same day it's harvested. 

The factory and its member farmers receive assistance and training from Coffee Management Services (CMS), which offers farmer education, "Good Agricultural Practices" seminars, and distributes a sustainable-farming handbook.