Stephen Kibathi’s journey began in Kinari, Kiambu County, where he earned a meager Ksh 35 per day working as a carpenter. Despite trying several small businesses, he struggled to find financial stability. His breakthrough came in 1997 when he decided to focus on vegetable farming, a move that would redefine his life.
Kibathi now manages a one-and-a-quarter-acre farm producing spinach, sukuma wiki (kale), and cabbages. His daily sales of sukuma wiki and spinach alone can reach Ksh 3,000. Each month, he trades around 120 bags of vegetables to local traders, creating a consistent income stream and establishing a strong presence in the local market.
Central to his success is his commitment to organic farming. Kibathi avoids synthetic fertilizers, relying on nutrient-rich manure from his two dairy cows. He also uses a bio-digester to enrich his soil, reducing costs and promoting environmentally conscious farming.
Beyond growing vegetables, Kibathi ventured into the seedling business in 2007. He now sells seedlings to nearly 1,000 farmers and manages farms for others seeking to commercialize vegetable production. Looking ahead, he plans to build a greenhouse to scale his operations and expand his reach, including sales to Uganda and Malindi through digital platforms.
By WhoownsKenya