If one wishes to coax Henry Kinuthia away from his lucrative African nightshade, commonly known as managu, farming venture, he asserts that a monthly payment of one million shillings is the prerequisite. Alternatively, he firmly declares, “any other lower-paying job can be kept to oneself, as I find contentment in this occupation.”
African nightshade, available in various varieties consumed as leafy vegetables, is recognized for its medicinal value, contributing to a consistent year-round demand, creating a ‘market euphoria.’
Mr. Kinuthia, sharing one of the most impressive success stories in managu farming, reveals that a 40 by 100 feet piece of land dedicated to this vegetable can yield Sh. 36,000 per month. He proudly states, “I am currently in my fourth year specializing in managu farming on an acre. This translates to a monthly income of Sh. 144,000.”
Farming was not initially Kinuthia’s envisioned occupation during his formative years. Like many young individuals, he aspired to make a mark for himself in the professional world. After completing secondary education and pursuing an electrical mechanic course, he graduated with hopes of securing employment.
By 2011, faced with a lack of permanent job opportunities, Kinuthia found himself working casual jobs, including a stint at Wakulima Market in Nairobi as a porter. Carrying 120-kilogram sacks of potatoes earned him Sh. 400 on a good day. Despite this, he realized that he was not making a sustainable living, prompting a shift to small-scale farming in his Kamungu village in Murang’a County in 2012.
Reflecting on his transition, Kinuthia states, “My experience at Wakulima made me realize that managu was a vegetable selling like hotcakes. I ventured into its farming, and since then, I have lived comfortably. Despite the dust and mud of farming, my wallet easily matches those of workers in the upper middle-income bracket.”
His 40 by 100 piece of land dedicated to managu yields approximately 300 kgs per week, with a farm gate price of Sh. 30 per kilo. This translates to a weekly income of Sh. 9,000 and a monthly total of Sh. 36,000. The crop’s lifespan of three months results in a substantial monthly income of Sh. 432,000.
Having expanded his acreage to four by 2019, Kinuthia earned Sh. 1.73 million. He asserts that the only way he would consider leaving his farming venture is with a monthly payment of Sh. 1 million, emphasizing the financial benefits derived from the occupation, including the absence of rent, transport costs, and the availability of food directly from his farm.
Highlighting the cost-effectiveness of managu farming, he notes, “Managu is easy to tend to and requires little care.” The operation costs are minimal, with an acre only consuming Sh. 2,000 for fertilizer, and the crop matures within three weeks, ready for the market. Kinuthia’s labor is limited to weekly irrigation, as managu is a hardy crop that flourishes even in sunny conditions.
He acknowledges that the peak time is during rainy seasons, where prices may decrease to Sh. 10 per kilo, but productivity increases to 600 kg per week from the 40 by 100-yard plot.
Kinuthia’s advice to the youth is rooted in the importance of making crucial decisions for wealth creation. He emphasizes the choice between living an income lie or breaking the chains of servitude by working hard in areas that yield good returns.
In a broader life perspective, he encourages young males aged 25 to 35 to consider marriage, stating, “There is no greater excitement than working hard, earning in sweat, and facing the demands of your kids and wife at home.” As a father of four children aged between 16 and 4, Kinuthia believes that his family gives purpose to his enterprise.
