Lucy Kambo is a teacher who tirelessly advocated the vital role agriculture played in the country’s economy. Her own financial struggles prompted her to explore this same path.
Starting with a small herd of cows and delving into crop farming, today she cultivates high-value herbs and tree tomatoes across Nakuru and Nyandarua County, proving that agriculture can be a lucrative and fulfilling endeavour.
Here is her journey from classroom to success as written by WoK.
The Transition from Teacher to Agribusiness Maven
While working as an agricultural teacher, Lucy fervently instilled in her students the importance of agriculture as the backbone of the nation’s economy.
However, her passion for teaching was challenged by the financial constraints she faced due to relatively low earnings.
To supplement her income, she ventured into keeping cows in her compound, with her dedicated staff caring for the animals as she taught. This move not only provided extra cash but also yielded an abundant supply of valuable manure.
From Spinach to Tree Tomatoes: A Journey of Exploration
Lucy’s foray into farming introduced her to the world of crop cultivation. Utilizing the nutrient-rich manure, she began growing vegetables, particularly spinach.
As she embraced crop farming, her interest expanded further to include the cultivation of tree tomatoes on her farm in Nakuru. This journey of exploration in agribusiness quickly became a source of great affection for Lucy.
Venturing into the Herb Industry
With an insatiable desire to expand her agricultural endeavors, Lucy sought a farm with year-round irrigation capabilities.
After weeks of searching, she found the perfect location and decided to grow a variety of high-value herbs, including mint, thyme, rosemary, and sage. This decision marked her entry into the herb industry, opening doors to new opportunities.
The Turning Point
Simultaneously, Lucy secured a contract with an export company to cultivate summer flowers, leading to a juggling act between her teaching profession and farming duties.
The growing demands of her agricultural ventures compelled her to bid farewell to dairy farming and eventually resign from teaching to devote all her attention to the blossoming world of agribusiness.
Embracing Education and Innovation
Lucy’s journey in agribusiness hasn’t been without its share of challenges. However, her commitment to continuous learning and innovation has propelled her forward.
In 2013, she pursued a Master’s degree at Egerton University, which exposed her to invaluable online resources like Google, YouTube, and Mkulima Young.
Armed with newfound knowledge, she applied modern techniques to enhance her agribusiness operations.
The Fruits of Her Dedication
By prioritizing hands-on involvement and making timely decisions, Lucy navigated the intricate world of agriculture successfully. With undergraduate and graduate-level training in agriculture, she possessed a substantial advantage, complemented by attending seminars and seeking additional training, such as integrated pest management.
Her former student, Ruth Munyoro, also proved to be a valuable asset in the field of herbs.
Building for the Future
Lucy’s agribusiness journey, particularly in horticulture, has offered stability, unlike the fluctuating milk prices she encountered in dairy farming. Embracing innovative strategies, she engages a reliable farm manager under a profit-sharing arrangement, incentivizing diligent work and optimal results.
