Agriculture in Kenya has been lately developing in all the areas especially rural areas due to many modes of farming and farm tools that are been introduced by the agricultural experts. This tools and technologies ensure that the farmers can be able to develop their farms and produce the best quality of products. This will ensure that they maintain food security in their areas as well as attract some income since high quality agricultural products make people to buy them in a higher price as compared to the low standards products.

Farming is therefore a commitment that the farmers should have in order to ensure that they get the best out of it. Farming also require some investment in that you should try to find the best quality of farm input for the better of the products. You should use the best standards of fertilizers, hybrid seeds and pesticides for their protection. Several companies has therefore been established in Kenya to provide the hybrid seeds for the farmers to get the best farm outputs.

The companies in Kenya which offer the best seeds and at affordable prices to make sure that the farmers have access are scattered in the country and are;

Kenya Seed Company Ltd is one of the suppliers of the hybrid seeds to the local farmers and those who want to practice agribusiness. This company mandate to research, develop, market and avail certified top quality, high yielding agricultural seeds of various varieties within Kenya, Eastern Africa and beyond. This company has a variety of different seeds and currently it has 60 different varieties of maize, wheat, sunflower, finger millet, horticultural seeds and legumes. They also have other types of seeds such as upland rice, sesame seed, Prosso millet, pigeon peas and much more.

Kenya Highland Seed Co. is another seed company that produce open pollinated and hybrid seeds providing local solutions to a global market. They have a top quality brands of seeds such as tomatoes, cabbages, peppers, kales, watermelons, carrots, and sell a wide range of large and small vegetable seeds with particular focus on high yielding hybrids. At Kenya Highland Seed Co. make it their business to understand their needs, to better provide the high quality vegetable seeds that will well adapt for the environment.

Western Seed Company is a seed company in Kenya that addresses the problem of low yields of small holder farmers by producing high quality hybrid maize seeds. There are the only private company in East Africa with an end-to-end seed maize research, breeding and distribution program. They are committed to bringing the technology to the farmers and addressing the issue of smallholder farmers’ sustainability.

Freshco is another seed company in Kenya that sell high-yield seeds, primarily maize, to small-scale farmers. Maize seeds that are optimized for the climates of Kenya’s various regions to produce up to two times more grain per hectare than ordinary seed. Maize production is essential to Kenyans food security and that is why they aim at providing the best breeds to increase Kenyan’s food security. They ensure that the farmers have the best yields of the products which will not only improve the food security but will also uplift their living standards for those practicing agribusiness.

Mushroom is a great delicacy in many households. In Kenya people are starting to consume mushrooms. Most people get them from the supermarket. Some of the mushrooms grow in the wild like in woody forests but some of them are planted by people. Different communities harvest and consume them. There are many kinds of mushroom that can be grown in Kenya. The most popular ones are the termite mushrooms which grow on anthills. Mushrooms have been planted by small scale farmers in Kenya since the early 60s. Some of the mushrooms are poisonous and it is always a challenge to get great varieties. One of the advantages of growing and consuming mushrooms is that they have a high nutritive value and they taste great. Some people say that they taste like meat.

 They have a lot of protein, fiber and vitamins and they are low in cholesterol and fat. They are a great health food that doctors advocate for. Another advantage is that   there is a high demand for these commodities.  People rare more health conscious in Kenya than they were before. They are consuming different type of food. Mushrooms are preferred because they slow the ageing process by increasing the longevity of the cells, they lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and control chronic fatigue syndrome, control cancers and liver disintegration disease, improve immune system, activate the helper ‘T’ cells and improve overall wellbeing. Mushroom growing needs narrow land. Subdivision of land and population growth has made traditional crops like maize, tea and coffee unprofitable. Mushroom growing does not depend on the weather since it’s grown in rooms.

The oyster mushroom has a white or yellow or grey color. The color depends on the strain, lighting and temperature conditions.  Some of the mushrooms cluster together while others grow alone. The Shiitake has a broad, hemispheric expanding cap. It is black brown at first becoming light brown in age. This mushroom grows in saw dust, rice straw and bran. Growing shiitake utilizes saw dust, chips, rice straw, and bran. This variety is rich in Niacin Thiamin, Riboflavin, Crude protein, Fiber and Fat. The mushroom contains a chemical ingredient called “LENTINAN” which reduces cancer and slows down the HIV virus. The Agaricus is the most common mushroom in the Kenyan Market.  Their color is white or brown and the size is either small or very big. They look like domes and they have a lot of fiber, free carbohydrates crude protein, fat, carbohydrates, and high in energy. Their flavor is enhanced through cooking their medicinal values are that they improve the immune system, improve body functions and clear then digestive tract.

Some mushrooms species are poisonous like the Amanita.  People should steer clear from unfamiliar mushrooms because they may be deadly. Most traditional people know what mushrooms are edible and it is always advisable to seek help and clarification from elderly members of the community. This is an ideal business venture because it does not require a lot of facilities and tilling of land. The source of market is restaurants and people buying for personal consumption.

 

 

Farming of tea in Kenya has been proven to be one of the greatest sources of income for Kenyan farmers. The production of tea at both small and large scale is important in a number of ways that can be considered to be of great help in expanding the economic growth of the country. The following are the major tea production areas in Kenya.

Kericho

The area is one of the largest tea farming regions in the country and has several factories that are carrying out tea manufacturing activities. The place has the cool and wet climate that favours the huge growth and survival of tea making many farmers to dedicate most of their lands to be used in the cultivation of tea.Kericho is helping the country to be one of the largest tea producers in the world.

Maragoli in western

The place has good fertile soils that are needed for growth of tea. The area experiences good amounts of rainfall as it borders the large timboroa forest. It has the cool and wet climates that are needed for the huge amounts of tea production. It is therefore important for one to think well about an area before planting the crop. In western, it is one of the best places to have the crop grown.

Regions of Kiambu

Tea farming in the regions s diverse as the cool and wet climates encourages the faster growth of the crop making it an important factor in the market industry. The regions have good fertile soils that are needed for the well thrive and growth of tea in the modern society. It is therefore important that farmers study about the area before deciding which crops to plant in them.The major regions include areas around limuru thika and the interior kiambu regions

 

Embu regional show was founded in 1968 which used to be held in Embu town but later on relocated to Njukiri showground. The showground is located within Mt. Kenya region where high rainfall and cool temperatures are experienced. The showground is located along the Nairobi – Meru road. This showground provides a great platform for exhibition of all goods and services ranging from agricultural to industries and trade.

 

Stand Rates (Based on 2014 Show)

The following is a list of the various categories of stands and the amount of  amount paid for them

• Large stands (Measuring 60ft X 45ft : Kshs. 40,000

• Small Stands (Measuring 60 ft X 33ft : Kshs. 30,000

• Show theme interpretation : Kshs. 1,500

• Essential sticker                 : Kshs. 1,500

• Conservancy fee               : Kshs. 4,000

• Catalogue fee                   : Kshs. 1,000

• Pre-show sticker               : Kshs. 500

Gate charges

Perimeter Adult	–	Kshs. 200
Perimeter Child	–	Kshs. 150
Special party Adult	–	Kshs. 150
Special Party Child	–	Kshs. 100
Young Farmers Club	–	Kshs. 100
Pre – Show	–	Kshs. 100
Trade Attendant	–	Kshs. 500

 

 

Exhibitor Profile

Agriculture, Livestock, Horticulture, Wildlife related activities, Agro Industries and the Finance Industry are the main stakeholders of the A.S.K Embu show. They mainly cover the following sectors

• Embu County Government

• Embu Children Hospital

• Sme

• Pioneer Seeds

• County Director of Youth

• Kari

• Kenya Wildlife Services

• Ktda

• Agri Irrigation & Borehole

• Erangi Hills Food Processors

• Achievers College

• Mastermind Tobacco

• Embu University College

• Bimas Microfinance

• Nacada

• Mt.Kenya Bottlers

• Kephis

• Total Kenya L.T.D.

• Farm Feeds

• Kenya Vet. Gen. Research Centre

• Pest Control Produce Board

• Ministry Of Agriculture

• Ministry Of Forest Services

• Yu Limited

• Tea Board of Kenya

• Chuka University

• Meru Multipurpose

• Kenya School of Government

• Safaricom

• Embu College

• Commission of Revenue Allocation

• Ewasco

• Farm Feeds

• Thika Motor Dealers

• Anek

• Equity Bank

• Kenya Tea Board

• Kplc

• Kevevapi

 

Most tuition will train students who belong to the following education level Pre-school, Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11 and Grade 12.

Webbz Tuition Center

The Tuition Centre is located in Kileleshwa it caters for children in the ages of 5–13 and 13–18. They help children get the important content for the preparation of their national and international examinations the student is equipped with basic academic information. It is a private tuition center that has the mission of improving a student’s academic performance by developing programs which meet the student’s special needs.

The tuition is customized according to the availability of the student, the teachers are well trained and intelligent the exams involved include IB, IGCSE and KCPE, the tuition can be conducted at the training center or at students home if need be. Webbz is a preferred tuition center by many students in Kenya; the students have been showing positive results after the tuition. We do not only train but we motivate students to make reading and writing their hobby.

St.Hellens Tuition Centre The center provides quality tuitions many students each year. The students demonstrate positive results after attending the tuition by excelling in their academics. St. Hellen Tuition center does not only tuition but it prepares students who will meet their career goals with a lot of ease in the future The students attend the tuition during holidays and weekends, the teachers are perfectionists in academics for they are selected according to their qualifications in academics. The tutorial offered include; PYP, MYP, 844, IB, IGCSE, and BNC. The students targeted by the tuition center include; students who score above average but they want to improve their performance, Students who are under-performing but want to better their grades in a particular subject or all subjects, Students who with the desire of channeling their study energies towards improving their academic performance in the preparation of their coming exams, Students want to catch up after missing classes, Candidates who require more attention on their study and the students wishing to learn new skills like music and languages. Call:     0720 652 266, 0720 65 22 66 or Email: [email protected], the tuition is the leading tuition center for juniors and seniors, the center is open every day of the week including weekends and holidays from 8am to 7pm. Specialized attention is given to any student with the desire of learning a new language.

Umoja P. A.G Tuition Center The tuition center has been in operation since 2008, the tuition focuses on the individual learners to achieve their academic goals, the potentiality of the students is utilized to the maximum to ensure that the student improves on their academics, the students potential is identified and relevant assistance given so that A material students don’t end up scoring B and C+ students don’t end up scoring D’s. Every student is helped in identifying their God given talents and assisted in practicing them to perfection. The center also offers home based training of the students as long as it is within Nairobi. The school drop outs are mostly targeted to come learn in the tuition center and later sit for their National exams. The teachers work as a team to ensure that the students’ needs are met. Call: 0724269201 or Email: [email protected], the target audience is the students who want go an extra mile and improve their performance; the tuition center is located in Umoja at Umoja innercore next to Unity Primary School inside P. A.G Church, Monday to Friday 5am to 8pm

 

Farming in Kenya has been affected by a lot of challenges and the problems continue to flood the Kenyan farmers in many counties. It has come to the realization that most tea farmers in Kenya encounter the following major problems in the production of quality tea.

Pests and Diseases

Some seasons in the year make the prevalence of diseases to be more popular and make the Kenyan farmers to suffer huge loses. The crops continually gets attacks from pests and makes the farmer go huge waste as they attack some parts of whole of the crop making it hard to survive and thrive well. Furthermore, it infects the crops with diseases that completely kill and destroy it. Pest and diseases are very dangerous to crops more especially when they attack crops in large scale basis.

Lack of Reliable Labor

Kenyan farmers are experiencing alt of hardships when it comes to the production of huge amounts of tea. Majority of them spend huge amounts of money in trying to get the labor needed to plant and harvest the crops. Labor is becoming more expensive and readily unavailable. The labor that is gotten in most cases does little and the amount of work is much and more.

Competition from Established Markets

Kenyan farmers get a lot of competition from farmers that are well established making it hard for them to venture into the export market and eventually ending up selling the crops to local industries at a loss. The government should try to look for ways of managing the tough competition from the outside market to ensure that people are secure and safe with farming tea.

Poor farming methods

Tea farming requires a lot of skills from farmers making it an essential part of life. It has come to the realization that many farmers planet tea in the wrong way hence it grows under the wrong set of planting procedures. It is therefore important for one to be careful when planting to avoid problems in the near future.

Coffee is one of the cash crops in the republic of Kenya that earns the country a lot of revenue in terms of exchange. Coffee farming is practiced in highlands parts of Kenya because it requires a lot of rainfall. Coffee farming in Kenya is under the management board known as coffee board of Kenya.

Coffee board of Kenya is located in Nairobi city along Exchange Lane Off Haile Selassie Avenue in a building known as Coffee Plaza Building (10th floor of this building).

Coffee board of Kenya is one of the governmental parastatals in Kenya established under the act of parliament to help the government of Kenya to carry its function in the side of coffee sector. To ensure that it serve people of Kenya, the coffee board of Kenya carry certain functions. These functions include:

• Work in consultation with the ministry of agriculture and livestock in the formulation of policies and rules that regulate and develop the coffee industry in Kenya.

• Registration and licensing of coffee nurseries, growers, pulping stations, millers, marketing agents, management agents, buyers, roasters, packers, warehouse men, and auctioneers. This is done to ensure that coffee production in Kenya is standardized to fit the market demand.

• They provide advisory services to all stakeholders involved in coffee production in Kenya to ensure quality enhancement in coffee industry.

• They collect, collate, analyses data, maintain a database on the coffee industry and also document and monitor it through the registration of person dealing with coffee production in Kenya.

• Coffee board of Kenya represents the government of Kenya in international forums on matters regarding coffee.

• They arbitrate in case of any dispute in the coffee industry.

• They encourage environmentally friendly, ethical and hygienic coffee production, processing and market practices in order to enhance production of high quality coffee and its sustainability in the market industry.

• They help market coffee products to the outside world.

If you have any kind of complain or you want any information pertaining coffee farming in Kenya, inform coffee board of Kenya through the following contacts:

Coffee Board of Kenya,

P.O. Box 30566 – 00100

Nairobi, Kenya.

Telephone number: 020 342717

Cell phone: 0710670026, 0788109426 or 0707100100

Email address: [email protected] or [email protected].

 

 

In Kenya, the health sector is one of the sectors in the economy of Kenya where a lot of emphasis have been put to ensure the good health of the society. Health institutions have been established in the country to ensure that the best services are provided to the people who are sick and need medical attention. This sector has developed and even licensed-private medical institutions have been established to accommodate the high number of patients in government hospitals. This private medical institutions have ensured that they provide the best services for the people in the society.

The health sector thereby in the treatment of their patients, they have to use drugs in form of medicine for the cure of various diseases and infections that patients made be infected with. These drugs that they use have to be manufactured and processed by certain pharmaceutical industries in Kenya. These industries therefore manufacture, process and supply these drugs to the hospitals, chemists and to the market for access by the patients and the medical personnel involved.

The industries which manufacture drugs and medicine and based in Kenya include;

Dawa Limited

As the name suggest, this is one of the pharmaceutical industries in Kenya which operate under values such as professionalism, customer orientation, speed and efficiency as well as community welfare and are committed to the manufacturing of quality and affordable human and veterinary healthcare products. Dawa limited manufactures a range of high quality pharmaceutical products featuring syrups, injectable, tablets, and capsules for both humans and veterinary use. This company also market and distribute their products not only in Kenya but to other African nations.

Beta Healthcare International Ltd

This is a renowned pharmaceutical manufacturing company which has its footprints in Eastern, Central and West African regions. This company has a wide range of products portfolio comprising of OTC’s or Ethical and branded pharmaceutical products and are the pioneer of herbal medication in Kenya. The most common brands of Beta Healthcare international Ltd include the OTC’s and FMCG’s such as MaraMoja, Action, Beta gripe water and Betasil throat lozenges, Prism range such as HEDEX and Cofta and many more brands and products.

SAI Pharmaceuticals

This industry is based on the true value of continually provide quality, competitively priced, diverse range of pharmaceutical formulations through an efficient customer service enhanced by a motivated professional team. Their products are made from the highest quality chemicals and manufactured by the most skillful personnel in the area.

Omaera Pharmaceuticals Ltd

This company also provide quality health care services and products with the current management. They are well recognized for the manufacture and supply of pharmaceuticals, surgical, OTC’s products as well as medical equipment.

Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd

This is one of the well-established industry in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and their supplies. Their products are available in all major hospitals, institutions and retail pharmacies due to their high levels of quality in their products. This company is the major supplier of Anti-Retrovirals (ARVs) to various ministries of health, donor-funded programmes and non-governmental organizations. They offer high-quality and affordable pharmaceuticals of over 500 molecules and their combinations in multiple forms, catering to patients needs in various therapies and these products include Anti-infective, Cardiovascular, pain management, gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatology, orthopedics, nutrionals and urology. The top products are grouped as either molecule or drugs and are over 500 types.

Oceanview Pharmaceuticals Ltd

This is a pharmaceutical manufacturing industry based in Mombasa and offer high quality products in the market for the patients’ good health. They manufacture process and supply products such as pharmaceuticals, personal care and cosmetics, veterinary medicine, agrochemicals and farm inputs and through their chemist branded Palmland chemists offer services such as consultation and poultry postmortem, ear piercing as well as blood sugar check, blood pressure, pregnancy tests as well as other services.

 

 

Tea is the main cash crop grown in Kenya and earns the country a lot of money. There are various factories in Kenya that supply Kenya with tea for both local use and foreign exchange. These factories are registered by Tea Board of Kenya.

Therefore the registered tea factories in Kenya include:

• Arroket factory – Sotik Tea Company limited.

• Chagaik factory – UTK limited.

• Changana factory – JFK limited.

• Changoi tea factory – WTK limited.

• Chebut tea Factory Company limited.

• Chelal tea.

• Chemoni factory – EPK limited.

• Chinga tea Factory Company limited.

• Chemogonday factory – JFK limited.

• Eastern produce Kenya limited.

• Eberege tea Factory Company limited.

• Gacharage tea Factory Company limited.

• Gachege tea Factory Company limited.

• Gathuthi tea Factory Company limited.

• Gatitu tea factory.

• Gatunguru tea Factory Company limited.

• Gianchore tea Factory Company limited.

• Githambo tea Factory Company limited.

• Githongo tea Factory Company limited.

• Gitugi tea Factory Company limited.

• Igembe tea Factory Company limited.

• Ikumbi tea Factory Company limited.

• Imenti tea Factory Company limited.

• Iriani tea Factory Company limited.

• Itumbe tea Factory Company limited.

• James Finlay (Kenya) limited.

• Jamji factory – UTK limited.

• Kagwe tea Factory Company limited.

• Kaimosi tea Factory Company limited – WTK limited.

• Kaisugu tea Factory Company limited.

• Kambaa tea Factory Company limited.

• Kangaita tea Factory Company limited.

• Kanyenyaini tea Factory Company limited.

• Kapchebet tea Factory Company limited.

• Kapcheluch tea factory limited.

• Kapchorua Tea Company limited.

• Kapkatet Tea Company limited.

• Kapkoros tea Factory Company limited.

• Kapsara tea Factory Company limited.

• Kapset tea Factory Company limited.

• Kapsumbeiwa factory – EPK limited.

• Kaptumo tea Factory Company limited.

• Karirana estates limited.

• Kathangariri tea Factory Company limited.

• Williamson tea Kenya limited.

• Weru tea Factory Company limited.

• Unilever tea factory limited.

• Toror tea Factory Company limited.

• Tombe tea Factory Company limited.

• Tirgaga tea Factory Company limited.

• Tinderet tea estate (1989) limited _ WTK limited.

• Kebirigo tea Factory Company limited.

• Kericho factory – UTK limited.

• Kibwar limited.

• Kiptagich tea estate limited.

• Mara Mara instant – JFK limited.

• Mudete tea Factory Company limited.

• Nandi tea estates – Nandi hills.

• Nyayo tea zones development corporations.

• Nyankoba tea Factory Company limited.

Kenya has discovered a new wonder fruit. The pomegranate fruit in Kenya. Pomegranate fruit in Kenya is a red fruit with a tough outer bark like layer, and it originated from Persia a long time ago. Pomegranate fruit is a type of fruit found on many people`s fences in Kenya and probably eaten by birds but not anymore after this breakthrough. Pomegranate fruit is a fruit in Kenya the size of an apple with many small seeds covered by a skin which looks like a tree bark. People in Kenya usually chew the seeds of pomegranate fruit or just make juice with them. Nutritionists in Kenya advice that one should eat the pomegranate fruit seeds when they are the freshest and juiciest since this is when they are most beneficial. One can also sprinkle the pomegranate seeds on a fruit salad in Kenya.

Research in Kenya shows that that pomegranate fruit increases the level of oxygen in the body particularly in the heart. Pomegranate fruit in Kenya also helps to fight erectile dysfunction among men in Kenya, and it also fights arthritis (ageing of bones).

Pomegranates in Kenya are packed with antioxidants equal to those in green tea or wine. Pomegranate fruits in Kenya are loaded with vitamin c and minerals like potassium. The Pomegranate fruit has punicalagins, a compound in the fruit which has, through research in Kenya, it has been proven to reduce blood pressure and reduces heart blockages (atherosclerosis). The punicalagins compound found in pomegranate fruits also reduces cancer occurrences in Kenya.

A few farmers in Kenya are practicing pomegranate fruits type of farming. For example in Murang`a, there is an organization called the Murang`a County Medicinal Plants Initiative that is committed to giving advice to farmers and clients in pomegranate fruits.

Pomegranate trees in Kenya usually grow in tropical areas, and they also grow in cold areas, but they should be protected from extreme cold and frost. However, pomegranate trees in Kenya prefer very hot sun. This pomegranate tree is a particularly thorny plant with small waxy leaves and it has a hardy plant they can do well in any area in Kenya whether arid or semi arid. High temperatures tend to enhance the flavor of the fruit. This Pomegranate plant in Kenya does well in clay, sand, silt and gravel soils. Pomegranate farmers in Kenya can also put fertilizer on the plant to increase production and fruit count. One pomegranate fruit in Kenya retails at about 100kshs to 200kshs. The pomegranate fruits are very costly in Kenya, and given that one tree produces an average of 25 fruits per season, this is a very viable venture in Kenya.

This pomegranate fruit farming in Kenya is a feasible idea, since one does not need a lot of space per tree and if well taken care of and watered, the fruits will be big. The pomegranate farming has taken root in Kenya, and most people are advised to take up the farming as a source of income and a tool of alleviating poverty in most areas of Kenya. Farming is a very vibrant industry in Kenya and those who invest their time, energy and money on it, are smiling all the way to the bank. People in Kenya are very health conscious in this day and age, and if one would centre their small scale or large scale business in Kenya here, it is a niche. Look at how people in Kenya went crazy with the quail business in Kenya because quail products in Kenya had medicinal value.

Well those who have taken up the Pomegranate farming in Kenya claim that it is not capital intensive since all you need to do is get the seed or cuttings of pomegranate, plant it and take care of it, and in a few months the returns are massive.