This archive report was first published on 16 September 2019.
Robert Kiama, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, took a bold step in 2014 when he left his job as a dental technologist at a hospital in Nairobi to pursue a career in farming.
During his leave, Kiama sold farm produce in Nairobi and made Sh20,000 in just two weeks. This success paved the way for his new career path.
He started by selling potatoes, which he sourced from Narok county, and later diversified into selling vegetables. Kiama's returns were higher than expected, and he soon tendered his resignation to focus on his new business.
With a monthly income of Sh100,000, Kiama was able to employ four people to help with deliveries and even met a friend, Zachary Wanjau, who shared his interest in farming.
Together, they leased 12 acres of land in Laikipia in 2015 and planted a variety of crops, including spinach, lettuce, amaranth, courgettes, and kales. The farm proved to be highly profitable, with daily sales of up to Sh6,000 in Nairobi.
However, Kiama and Wanjau faced several challenges, including water scarcity and the invasion of their farm by wildlife. They also lost Sh5 million after sinking two boreholes that failed to yield water, despite hiring geologists from the Agriculture ministry to guide them.
Today, Kiama is focusing on contract farming and educating 27 farmers on transforming their farming ventures into profitable businesses.
