From a young age, Shiro Ndirangu had always aspired to become a pilot. The allure of seeing the world from high above captivated her imagination, leading her to believe that flying a plane was the only path to fulfilling her wanderlust. However, as she progressed through life, Shiro gained a different perspective, realizing that exploring the globe was not limited to the confines of an aircraft. She came to understand that any profession could offer opportunities to venture to various corners of the world.
This epiphany struck Shiro during her pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, specializing in Administration and Finance at Strathmore University. Reflecting on her childhood dreams, she shared, “I was fascinated by pilots and wanted to be one. I thought it was the only way I could see the world. I later learned that I did not need to fly the plane to see the world.”
Throughout her time in university, Shiro would spend her weekends and holidays on her parents’ farm, engaging in activities such as harvesting and packing fruits and vegetables for sale. While agribusiness presented a promising option, Shiro hesitated to follow in her parents’ footsteps. After graduating from Strathmore in 2008, she embarked on a career at a local bank, dedicating nearly seven years of her life to the financial sector. However, her yearning to return to farming became undeniable, leading her to make a life-altering decision. Shiro decided to quit her job and pursue her passion for agriculture, a choice she has never regretted.
Presently, Shiro Ndirangu holds the position of Managing Director at Afrex Gold Limited. Initially joining the company as a General Manager in 2016, she was later promoted to the role of Managing Director in 2021. Established in 2000, Afrex specializes in packaging and exporting fruits and vegetables overseas. Within the international market, their primary focus lies on Hass Avocado. As the team leader, Shiro finds great fulfillment in exploring her managerial potential.
Her responsibilities encompass guiding the company towards its objectives and engaging various stakeholders within the industry. Afrex has established long-term supply agreements with clients in Europe and Gulf Countries, with their headquarters located in Thika. The company processes up to 1000 tonnes of Avocado monthly, primarily sourcing from smallholder farmers across the country. While their portfolio includes other fruits like mangoes, bananas, and pineapples, Shiro emphasizes that avocado holds a central position in their operations.
Moreover, Afrex Gold Limited collaborates with farmers to facilitate their access to local markets before expanding their opportunities abroad. Shiro highlights her involvement in a land restoration project that aids small-scale farmers in improving the quality of their seedlings for better yields. The initiative also involves the planting of exotic trees that benefit the local ecological zones. She expresses her enthusiasm, stating, “With the progress we have made in the sector over the past seven years, achieving this ambitious goal will undoubtedly be the pinnacle of my career.”
Shiro emphasizes that Afrex Limited predominantly deals with the Hass and Fuerte varieties of Avocado, while the indigenous ‘Jumbo’ variety is specifically sold to certain markets. Avocado prices vary based on factors such as variety, size, quality, demand, supply, and location, ranging from Sh. 35 to Sh. 110 per kilogram. “We work directly with farmers to ensure that they receive fair pricing and value for their produce,” Shiro asserts.
Additionally, Shiro reveals that the avocado value chain has led to job creation, offering employment opportunities to hundreds of individuals in nurseries, farms, packaging facilities, and logistics providers.
