This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
Naivasha, a town known for its flower farms, has witnessed a unique shift in the livelihoods of its residents. The Covid-19 pandemic led to mass layoffs in the horticulture sector, leaving many without a steady income. However, a group of former flower farm workers has found a new source of income in earthworm harvesting.
Wanjiru Nguru, a former flower farm worker, was one of the many who lost her job due to the pandemic. However, with the help of a friend, she discovered the potential of earthworm harvesting. Today, she is one of the many women and youths in the densely populated Karagita neighbourhood who have turned to this business as a means of survival.
Ms Nguru and her colleagues, who call themselves the Minyongoro Team, have found a ready market for their earthworms. The rising lake levels of Lake Naivasha have led to an increase in the number of fishermen using rods in the lake, creating a demand for the worms. The team sells the worms to fishermen who use them to bait fish, earning them a daily income of Sh2,500 on a good day.
However, the business is not without its challenges. The team has had to adjust the prices of their worms, reducing them from Sh100 to Sh50 due to the increased competition. Additionally, the lack of licences for fishermen has made it difficult for the team to access the lake, forcing them to travel to far-flung towns in search of customers.
Despite these challenges, the team remains optimistic about their business. They have appealed to the national and county governments to help them secure a market, hoping that alternative selling points will be established to support their livelihoods.
According to seasoned boat operator David Kilo, the worms trade grew due to the introduction of sports fishing, especially among the well-to-do. However, with the lifting of regulations aimed at curbing the spread of the disease, things might start looking up for the worm harvesters.
