KERICHO: As Kenya faces growing unemployment, particularly among young graduates, Silas Kipruto Kemei from Kaptongeno village in Kericho County has turned to smart farming as a practical solution after facing challenges in his quest for a conventional job.

According to Kenya News Agency, Kemei, a 33-year-old graduate with a degree in Information Technology, initially aspired to work as an ICT officer. However, after numerous unsuccessful job interviews, he found himself compelled to explore alternative avenues for income. Owning a small plot of land, Kemei transitioned from low-yield tea farming to cultivating indigenous vegetables, a venture that has since gained him recognition in the region.

Kemei’s farm, organized in a modern kitchen garden style, features a variety of vegetables, including black nightshade, Jute Mallow, kale, spinach, and cabbages, alongside strawberries and spider plants. His innovative approach and use of social media for marketing have attracted clients from institutions such as sc
hools and hospitals. Kemei reports earning approximately Sh39,000 monthly from his harvests.

In addition to farming, Kemei conducts training sessions on smart farming techniques, charging Sh500 per person, and has also ventured into goat and poultry farming. His farm boasts German Alpine and Toggenburg goat breeds, and a range of poultry, including SASSO F1 and Rainbow rooster F1. Through government-sponsored training, Kemei has optimized his farming practices, enhancing productivity and profitability.

Kemei’s success story serves as an inspiration, encouraging other youths to consider farming as a viable career path amid limited white-collar job opportunities. His future plans include expanding his farming operations by acquiring more land and enhancing infrastructure for livestock.