This study examines unequal participation of smallholder farmers in coffee certification programs in Central Kenya. Through interviews and surveys of certified and non-certified farmers, the study finds that participation is not equal and farmers are pre-selected based on quality of coffee and relationships with cooperative officials. Certified farmers tend to have larger land sizes and are more educated than non-certified farmers. Key determinants of inclusion in certification include education level, farm size, and knowledge of certification standards. The study concludes that certification focuses on select "good" farmers and greater farmer training and participation is needed for certification to be more inclusive and sustainable.