County executive makes a fortune in semi-arid Ithanga
By Wangari Njuguna, August 6, 2019
Ithanga region, located off the Thika-Garissa, is one of the driest areas in Murang’a county.
Most residents here shy away from agriculture fearing poor production due to the low and unpredictable rainfall patterns. Ironically, the soils are fertile and if well utilised can be turned into a food basket to feed large populations.
This is the step taken by Joseph Mbai, the county executive secretary for Health in Murang’a county government. For the past five years, he has been growing tomatoes, bulb onions, watermelons and maize. In 2014 he planted tomatoes an acre and got a bountiful harvest, which motivated him to expand the farm.
He sought for more land as the more he planted, the bigger the returns. Today, he has 11 acres and uses water from Masinga Dam and a water pan.
Mbai says he wanted to set the pace for the community by showing they can make money from their idle land. “ I tell those keen to venture into commercial farming to observe best practices so as to maximise,” he says.
Selection of quality seeds and other farm inputs are vital in ensuring good harvest. “Quality seeds, though expensive are the best because some are (genetically) modified and they are resistant to diseases and pests. I get seeds from specific dealers who are certified by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (Kephis),” he says.
Mbai says fast growing crops generate quick cash. Due to his busy schedule, he lacks ample time to attend to the farm, so he has engaged an agronomist. “He has vast knowledge on crops; he monitors their growth and takes appropriate action,” he says.
Mbai concentrates on pure organic farming as opposed to using conventional fertilisers, which in most cases impact on soil fertility. “I use manure but first it has to be checked and treated of any diseases or pests so that it does not harm the crops” he adds.
In a recent month, he harvested 22 tonnes of watermelon from three acres, earning him Sh500,000. He also sold 210 crates of tomatoes at Sh3,800, pocketing Sh800, 000.
He prefers to sell green instead of dry maize crop as it earns more money. Using link marketing for his produce, vendors collect everything from the shamba at an agreed price. “I don’t have the time to take the produce to the market,” he says.