In Meru County, Mwiti Kobia embarked on a remarkable journey that transformed his life and the lives of countless farmers in the region.
What began as a humble macadamia farm has blossomed into Nutri Nuts and Fruits Limited, a thriving agro-processing enterprise specializing in edible nuts and dried fruits.
The inception of Nutri Nuts and Fruits Limited can be traced back to Mwiti’s realization of a pressing issue – the challenge of accessing markets for his macadamia harvest.
This revelation led him to venture into agro-processing, an endeavor that not only added value to his crops but also positively impacted the lives of local farmers.
“We started as farmers of macadamia nuts and fruits. Because of the challenges we had of accessing markets, we saw an opportunity to be able to value-add the product while uplifting the lives of the farmers in our zones in Meru,” explains Mr. Mwiti, the Managing Director of Nutri Nuts.
The journey commenced in 2019 when Mwiti established a state-of-the-art processing facility that met both local and international requirements.
This pivotal step marked the transition from a small-scale operation to a thriving enterprise that now handles an impressive 3,000 metric tonnes annually, a substantial leap from the initial 500 metric tonnes.
As the company grew, it extended its reach to encompass farmers from Nyeri, Embu, Mount Kenya, and Baringo, with further expansion plans in Kitale.
One of Nutri Nuts and Fruits’ remarkable contributions is its dedication to promoting sustainable agricultural practices in unexpected regions.
Traditionally, macadamia trees thrived in the upper zones of Mt. Kenya, yet Mwiti’s enterprise defied convention by cultivating the crop in the lower zones of the semi-arid Meru.
In response to increasingly erratic weather conditions, Nutri Nuts and Fruits introduced a drought-resistant macadamia variety that yields higher returns compared to traditional water-intensive strains.
This not only ensures more consistent income for farmers but also contributes to climate change mitigation through increased tree planting.
“The more trees we plant, the more we’re able to mitigate climate change,” emphasizes Mwiti.
The impact of Nutri Nuts and Fruits extends beyond its processing facility.
The company actively engages with local communities, collaborating with schools to provide free seedlings and offering subsidized rates to farmers.
Nutri Nuts and Fruits has not only transformed the lives of farmers but has also generated employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth.
With between 120 and 150 employees, 18 of whom are permanent staff, the company contributes significantly to the region’s economic vitality.
However, the path to success was not without its challenges. Access to finance and adequate support proved to be significant obstacles, especially when compared to competitors in countries like South Africa and Australia.
Mwiti Kobia advocates for the development of crop varieties tailored to Kenya’s changing climatic conditions, emphasizing the need for more resilient options for arid and semi-arid areas.
