In the arid landscape of Isinya, Kajiado County, a story of agricultural triumph unfolds as Jedidah Wacera King’ori, a former technology professional, emerges as a leading French beans farmer.
Jedidah’s journey began after she graduated with a diploma degree in IT from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in 2009.
Eager to make her mark in the world, she joined the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.
However, the monotony of her 8-to-5 job and the limitations of her monthly salary, a mere Ksh18,000, left her yearning for something more.
“I was earning about Sh18,000 per month at the ministry. This money was not enough for me because I was very young and energetic,” she recalled during an interview with Business Daily.
Driven by an indomitable spirit and a desire to be her own boss, Jedidah decided to venture into farming in May 2018.
Armed with Ksh180,000 saved from her earnings, she established Tail Fin Enterprises and set her sights on French beans farming in Makuyu, Murang’a County.
As she stood amidst the rows of French beans, the realization of her new reality sank in.
She was no longer surrounded by computer screens and office chatter but was now immersed in the rich scent of fertile soil and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.
The transition from an IT professional to a farmer was not without its challenges. As she plowed through the hard earth, she faced doubts and uncertainties.
The road to success in farming was laden with obstacles, and securing capital proved to be the first major hurdle.
Banks were skeptical about funding her venture, citing the lack of collateral and the unpredictable nature of agriculture.
Jedidah relied on her family’s support and borrowed Sh100,000 to embark on her farming endeavor.
The transition from technology to agriculture was not without its learning curve.
She had to immerse herself in the nuances of farming, learning the intricacies of cultivating French beans, butternuts, onions, and cabbages.
With resilience and determination, she soon mastered the craft, and her farm in Isinya began to flourish.
Today, on her 15 acres of fertile land, the once-tech professional now manages a thriving farm that primarily focuses on French beans production.
Her success can be attributed to meticulous planning, hard work, and a deep understanding of the crop.
An acre under French beans yields approximately 5 tonnes, and in a good month, Jedidah’s profits soar between Kh300,000 and Ksh350,000.
To ensure smooth operations, she employs three permanent staff members and hires an additional 20 on temporary terms during peak seasons.
The success of her farm has transcended borders, and she now exports her produce to lucrative markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, and Dubai.
With her eyes firmly set on the horizon, Jedidah is not content to rest on her laurels. Two months ago, her determination and hard work paid off when she secured a credit boost of Ksh1.4 million from the Youth Enterprise and Development Fund (YEDF).
This additional funding enabled her to lease an extra five acres, bringing her one step closer to her dream of owning her land.
However, despite her achievements, Jedidah remains aware of the challenges that lie ahead.
The stringent entry requirements and regulations of the US and European Union (EU) markets have hindered her ability to access these lucrative opportunities for French beans export.
The recent EU directive, imposing strict measures on Kenyan beans, further compounds the challenge, as excessive pesticide residues can lead to a total ban.
Jedidah also highlights the lack of support from government extension officers as a concern.
Small-scale farmers like her struggle to afford agronomical services, which are essential for optimizing crop yields and maintaining farm health.
Looking ahead to the next five years, Jedidah aspires to continue expanding her farming venture. Her goal is to purchase her land, thereby reducing leasing costs and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Her meteoric rise from an IT graduate to a renowned French beans farmer is a testament to the potential within every individual to shape their destiny and make a significant impact on their community and the world at large.
