The story of Macharia is one of resilience and determination. He relocated to Rwanda in 2008 after experiencing the aftermath of the post-election violence that occurred in Kenya. Despite facing challenges and starting as a shoe hawker, he managed to thrive in Rwanda, as reported by muranganewspaper.
Macharia had studied Business Management and Marketing at the University of Nairobi and had been unable to secure an opportunity locally due to the effects of the skirmishes. He made the decision to move to Rwanda in 2010 by bus, bringing along secondhand shoes bought at Kariokor market to sell as a means of earning a living.
After a while, Macharia secured a job with a Rwandese agri-business firm, where he was part of the staff conducting trainings. During one of these trainings, he caught the attention of an investor who offered to partner with him to start a company.
Together, they founded Sunripes Farm in 2016 to grow and export vegetables, and later established Holland Greentech to supply farm inputs to farmers across East Africa. By identifying the market first and creating products that fit the market, they have been able to provide jobs for 300 people.
Macharia’s company grows habanero chillies, sweet peppers, English cucumbers, sweet melons, and cherry tomatoes. They also practice rotation farming on an open farm where they grow potatoes, cabbages, and French beans. The farm exports about 60 percent of its produce to Europe, while the rest is sold to high-end restaurants and supermarkets in Rwanda.
Macharia attributes the success of farming in Rwanda to the government’s support for farmers, such as providing land, fertilizers, and other incentives. They also encourage tree planting to keep the land green and fertile.
In conclusion, Macharia’s journey from a shoe hawker to a successful agri-entrepreneur in Rwanda is an inspiring story of hard work and resilience. Despite facing challenges, he persevered and made the most of the opportunities presented to him, eventually building a thriving business that provides employment and contributes to the economy.
