Graduate Finds Success in Pawpaw Farming in Kerio Valley

In a world where young graduates scramble to land elusive white-collar jobs, Eli Kimaiyo, a 28-year-old Economics and Mathematics graduate from Chuka University, has found his calling in a different realm—agriculture. Upon graduating in 2023, while his peers polished their CVs and flooded offices in search of jobs, Kimaiyo returned to his roots. His journey has led him to become a successful pawpaw farmer in the Kerio Valley, defying the typical career trajectory expected of university graduates. This is a tale of how passion, determination, and a love for farming have driven Kimaiyo to achieve early success.

The Love for Farming

From an early age, Kimaiyo was surrounded by the lush greenery of the rural Kerio Valley, where his father cultivated various fruits such as citrus and mangoes. It was in these settings that the seed of agricultural passion was planted in his heart. His father’s success in fruit farming was a constant inspiration for him as he grew up. While others aspired to city jobs, Kimaiyo found comfort and satisfaction in the earth’s embrace, knowing that agriculture had vast untapped potential in a country where food security remains a pressing issue.

“Farming has always been part of me,” Kimaiyo reflects. “Watching my father grow fruits made me appreciate the power of agriculture, and I knew I wanted to make a difference in this field.”

Early Beginnings in College

Even while in college, Kimaiyo began experimenting with pawpaw farming. He started small, cultivating traditional varieties of pawpaw on his family’s land. Though a modest beginning, the income from selling his harvest helped him meet his day-to-day expenses. While most students focused solely on academics, Kimaiyo juggled both studies and farming, creating a foundation for the successful agricultural venture that would later follow.

This early experience not only provided financial support but also honed his skills in understanding the nuances of farming, from planting seasons to market demands. It also gave him valuable lessons on persistence and the value of manual labor—lessons that he now applies daily.

After Graduation: Hitting the Ground Running

Unlike many fresh graduates, Kimaiyo didn’t waste any time seeking employment in the formal job market. Instead, he threw himself fully into commercial farming. His goal? To make a living through something he loved—pawpaw farming. He expanded his farm to cover one acre and planted 2,000 pawpaw trees, transitioning from traditional pawpaw varieties to more commercially viable hybrid seeds.

He attributes much of his success to proper planning, passion, and taking a hands-on approach to his farm. “I love being in the farm. I spend about 16 hours daily just walking around and monitoring my crops,” he says. “Farming is not something you can delegate. If you want to succeed, you must be hands-on.”

Kimaiyo’s dedication means that he has little time for leisure activities that many people his age enjoy, such as spending time in local trading centers. His commitment is single-minded, focusing on making his pawpaw farm thrive.

Pawpaw Farming: A Lucrative Venture

Kimaiyo’s shift from traditional pawpaw varieties to hybrid seeds has proven to be a game changer. He explains that hybrid pawpaws take only 6 to 7 months to mature, a shorter time compared to traditional varieties. Each tree can produce between 80 to 90 kilograms of fruit. With pawpaws being sold by weight at about KSh 40 per kilogram, Kimaiyo can earn up to KSh 3,600 from a single tree, a substantial return for any farmer.

Key to his success has been a diligent understanding of pawpaw farming techniques, including proper planting and care. Kimaiyo advises aspiring farmers to start preparing their farms at least a month before the rainy season and ensure they have access to water for irrigation. He emphasizes the importance of spacing, recommending 4 by 2-meter spacing for optimal production.

The Importance of Disease and Pest Management

Pawpaws are susceptible to various pests and fungal diseases, which pose a serious threat to any farmer’s yield. Kimaiyo is keenly aware of this and stresses the importance of monitoring crops daily. “Pests can destroy your flowers and fruits if you don’t act quickly,” he notes. To combat this, Kimaiyo uses pesticides and fungicides, ensuring that his crops remain healthy throughout their growth cycle.

He also ensures that his farm remains weed-free, understanding that a clean environment is essential for the health of his crops. “Weeding and maintaining a clean farm is crucial. It allows you to monitor your plants closely and respond to any issues before they escalate.”

Hands-On Approach to Farming

For Kimaiyo, farming is more than just a source of income; it is a way of life. He takes a hands-on approach to all aspects of his farm, from planting to harvesting. He personally manages the day-to-day operations and prefers manual labor over mechanization, at least for now. For instance, instead of using a tractor to plow his one-acre farm, Kimaiyo hires farmhands to cultivate the land manually. He believes this approach is cost-effective for his scale of operations. However, he plans to invest in mechanized farming as he expands into larger-scale production in the future.

One of the key lessons Kimaiyo has learned is the importance of minimizing costs while maximizing output. He uses organic fertilizers, specifically goat manure, which is easily available and inexpensive in his area. Not only is this approach cost-effective, but it is also environmentally friendly and healthier for the soil, ensuring sustainable farming practices.

Future Plans: Expanding and Diversifying

Kimaiyo’s ambition doesn’t stop at pawpaw farming. He has grand plans for the future, including expanding his farm and venturing into value addition. He is particularly interested in producing pawpaw juice and other by-products. “I’ve seen factories in Kerio Valley that produce mango crisps. Why not start pawpaw crisps?” he muses.

Kimaiyo’s vision is to scale his farming operations and tap into the lucrative value-addition market, which could provide even greater returns. By diversifying his products, he hopes to reach new markets and create more job opportunities in his community.

The Role of Education in His Success

Though Kimaiyo hasn’t used his university degree to secure a traditional job, he believes that his education has been crucial in managing his farming business. As an Economics graduate, he applies the principles of cost minimization and profit maximization to his operations. “Even in farming, you need to break even. My education helps me calculate my expenses and know when I’m making a profit,” he explains.

Kimaiyo’s background in Mathematics is equally valuable, enabling him to keep track of the farm’s financials and understand the business side of farming. He emphasizes that young people should not view agriculture as a fallback career but rather as an opportunity to apply their education in innovative ways.

Encouraging Youth to Venture into Agriculture

One of Kimaiyo’s biggest frustrations is seeing young people shy away from agriculture. He believes that many youths are missing out on the potential of farming, choosing instead to pursue white-collar jobs that are often hard to come by. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, yet the youth are abandoning it,” he laments. He argues that farming offers a viable alternative to employment, especially in a country where job opportunities are scarce.

Kimaiyo encourages young people to consider agriculture as a career, especially given Kenya’s favorable climate and vast land resources. He stresses that even semi-arid areas like Kerio Valley can be productive with the right approach. “Look at my farm. Who would think that this is Kerio Valley?” he says, smiling.

Conclusion

Eli Kimaiyo’s story is a powerful reminder of the untapped potential in agriculture, especially for young people in Kenya. By turning his back on the conventional job market and embracing his love for farming, he has not only created a sustainable source of income for himself but also inspired others to rethink their career choices.

Kimaiyo’s journey shows that with the right mindset, proper planning, and a hands-on approach, agriculture can offer immense opportunities for success. His dedication to pawpaw farming in Kerio Valley is a testament to what passion and determination can achieve, and his future looks bright as he aims to expand his operations and venture into value addition. For young Kenyans, Kimaiyo’s message is clear: agriculture is not only a viable career path but a rewarding one.