The 71-year-old farmer manages a farm in Kitui East Constituency, Kitui County, where he specializes in breeding and selling tortoises abroad. This unconventional venture became his focus after unsuccessful attempts at activities like crop farming.
Background
In 2005, Maundu turned to tortoise rearing, starting with 25 of these fascinating creatures. His decision was influenced by the challenging agricultural conditions, characterized by dry land and insufficient vegetation. Despite these challenges, he managed to obtain food from his farm, strategically located near a river.
By 2019, after 14 years of dedication, Maundu had expanded his tortoise population to over 2,000, distributed across his farms in Kitui and Makueni Counties. Among the species he nurtures are hinge-back, pancake, and leopard tortoises.
International Market Presence
Maundu’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond local markets, as he exports his tortoises to countries where there is a demand for reptiles, including the United States, China, and Germany.
Challenges
Operating on the global stage comes with its set of challenges for Maundu. He identifies currency fluctuations as a significant obstacle to his business. Additionally, he faces issues with untrustworthy clients, particularly those who cause delays in payments. The market itself poses challenges since Maundu primarily deals with agents rather than direct clients, adding another layer of complexity to his export business.
