The family of renowned Uasin Gishu farmer George Kili is in mourning following the tragic death of his son, Rodney Kili, aged 31.
Rodney died on October 15 after slipping and falling onto a moving planter while working on their leased farm in Moiben Constituency.
Rodney was recognized for his ambition and dedication to modern farming practices at Komool Farm and Buffalo Millers, leaving a profound impact on the local agricultural community.
Who is George Kili?
Kili began his career as a mechanic in 1967, where he worked on vehicles and machinery.
This initial profession provided him with valuable technical skills that would later benefit his farming operations.
While working as a mechanic, Kili also leased small plots of land, which ignited his passion for agriculture.
His early experiences in farming were modest, but they laid the groundwork for his future success.
In 1974, Kili made a significant investment by purchasing his first tractor, marking a turning point in his farming career.
This acquisition allowed him to increase productivity and efficiency on the farm.
With the new equipment, he began to expand his farming operations, gradually acquiring more land and improving his farming techniques.
Kili adopted modern agricultural practices such as conservative tillage and precision fertilization.
Present-day George Kili
Today, Kili farms approximately 400 acres of maize and 600 acres of wheat, according to Business Daily.
His yields are impressive, averaging 35 to 40 bags of maize and 18 to 22 bags of wheat per acre.
Kili’s success has made him one of the largest farmers in the Rift Valley and has inspired many aspiring farmers in the region.
About two months ago, Kili was awarded the Order of The Grand Warrior (OGW) by President William Ruto in recognition of his remarkable contributions to agriculture.
The ceremony took place on August 15, 2024, as Ruto officially conferred city status to Eldoret Municipality.