Naomi Ruhara, a graduate of the University of Nairobi, has found success in both dairy and vegetable farming.
On her three-acre farm in Thakwa village, Kiambu County, Ruhara cultivates a variety of indigenous vegetables, including terere, managu, saga, mito/miro, kanzera, and mrenda. These crops are meticulously arranged in rows and subdivided into distinct sections.
Like many graduates, Ruhara initially aspired to secure a white-collar job after graduation. “I had high hopes of getting employed. However, after three years of job searching, I gave up and resolved to do farming,” she shared.
Ruhara’s initial foray into broccoli farming did not succeed due to market issues, prompting her to reevaluate her approach. During this period of uncertainty, she discovered a training program by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) focused on the commercial cultivation of indigenous vegetables. She eagerly enrolled in the program.
Through this training, Ruhara gained extensive knowledge about indigenous vegetables, covering everything from selecting the best seed varieties to effective planting, harvesting, and marketing techniques. “After training, the organisation gave me drip irrigation equipment, a water pump, seeds, and fertilizers. That was the beginning of my journey into indigenous vegetables,” she said.
Thanks to the high nutritional value of these vegetables, Ruhara quickly found a ready market. “With many people going the healthy route, the market comes to me. I have a number of clients who buy wholesale while others place retail orders,” she explained. She earns an average profit of Ksh 50,000 from her vegetable farming, supplementing her income with a thriving dairy operation.
Ruhara began her dairy farming venture six years ago with two calves she purchased from her mother for Ksh 30,000 each. Today, she owns 35 dairy cows that produce a total of 480 liters of milk daily, with the top-producing cows yielding 35-40 liters per day. She has secured a contract with a major processor to supply her milk.
Despite her current success, Ruhara aims to increase milk production to 500 liters per day to boost her income further. To reduce feed costs, she grows fodder on an additional eight-acre rented plot, only purchasing dairy meal as needed.
