RHODA KAMAU
BARISTA CHAMPION OF KENYA
Barista Mag: Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
Rhoda: Yes, I worked as a waitress for six months, then trained as a barista. Then I joined Nairobi Serena Hotel as a barista.
BMag: How did you get started in coffee?
Rhoda: I was brought up in a coffee family. That’s where my carreer in coffee started.
BMag: What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
Rhoda: Being the barista champion of Kenya in 2012.
BMag: Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
Rhoda: John Muli. He has been a champion [of Kenya] three times and he always has passion for coffee.
BMag: What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
Rhoda: To have high consumption of Kenyan coffee within the country.
BMag: Name a coffee luminary (famous person) you would like to meet, and why:
Rhoda: Michael Phillips. He was my National head judge in 2011.
BMag: Name a barista you admire, and why:
Rhoda: Peter Owiti. He opened the first barista coffee shop in Kenya.
BMag: Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
Rhoda: Brazil because it has the highest coffee volume and the producers do both washed and natural coffee.
BMag: What are your interests outside of coffee?
Rhoda: Dancing.
BMag: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Rhoda: Managing my own coffee business and training other baristas.
BMag: Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
Rhoda: Yes, my coach John Muli.
