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Two-Year-Old Boy Slashed to Death by Aunt in Nyamira’s Bokeira Village — Police Launch Manhunt

Detectives Probe Shocking Killing of Two-Year-Old in Nyamira County

Police in Nyamira County have launched investigations after a two-year-old boy was slashed to death in Bokeira Village, Nyamusi, on Friday night.

According to police reports, the tragic incident occurred during a domestic dispute, when the boy’s aunt allegedly attacked him with a panga (machete), leaving him with fatal head injuries.

Witnesses told police that the suspect was found holding the child’s injured head moments after the attack. She reportedly dropped the weapon and fled the scene before neighbours could restrain her.

“The suspect escaped immediately after the attack. A blood-stained panga, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered at the scene and kept as evidence,” police said in a statement.


Body Taken to Mortuary as Manhunt Intensifies

Officers who arrived at the scene documented the incident and moved the body to the mortuary for a postmortem examination. A manhunt for the suspect is currently underway, with police urging members of the public to provide any information that could help trace her.

Authorities have condemned the killing, describing it as a disturbing case of domestic violence that underscores the need for better conflict management and mental health awareness within families.


Police Appeal for Calm and Cooperation

Detectives from Nyamira County Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have assured residents that justice will be served, urging locals to remain calm as investigations continue.

“We are following crucial leads and expect to arrest the suspect soon,” a police source said.

Police Launch Investigations Into Series of Deaths Across Four Counties

A file image of police line tape on crime scene

Police Probe Separate Death Incidents in Vihiga, Baringo, Kilifi, and Tharaka Nithi Counties

Police have launched investigations into four separate incidents reported across Vihiga, Baringo, Kilifi, and Tharaka Nithi Counties, where four people — including two children — lost their lives in unrelated tragedies over the weekend.


Man Found Murdered and Dumped in Vihiga County

In Vihiga County, police are investigating the murder of a 45-year-old man whose body was discovered on the roadside in Ingalwa Village, Kegondi. Authorities identified the deceased as Meshack Sindani Mengo.

According to police reports, Mengo’s body was dumped at Chandumba Market on Saturday after he was allegedly killed elsewhere. He had stab wounds on the chest and neck, and detectives say the motive behind the murder remains unclear.

The body was moved to the county mortuary pending an autopsy and further investigations.


Nine-Year-Old Girl Electrocuted in Baringo

In Koibatek, Baringo County, tragedy struck when a nine-year-old girl was electrocuted at her home in Seketetwo Village on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Police said the child was attempting to plug in a water heater when she suffered a fatal electric shock. She died instantly, and her body was later taken to the mortuary for postmortem procedures.

Authorities have urged parents to ensure proper electrical safety and supervision of children to prevent similar incidents.


Ten-Year-Old Boy Drowns in Mtwapa, Kilifi County

In Mtwapa, Kilifi County, police are investigating the drowning of a ten-year-old boy at Kenya Project Estate. The boy was reportedly swimming with friends when he drowned in the pool on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Police said the body was retrieved and moved to a local mortuary for an autopsy as investigations continue. The incident has renewed calls for enhanced child safety measures around swimming pools and recreational areas.


Missing Man Found Dead in Tharaka Nithi

In Tharaka Nithi County, police recovered the body of Nathan Kimathi, 52, who had been reported missing earlier. His body was found drowned in the Kathita River near the Marimanti area.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding his death, including whether foul play was involved.


Police Urge Caution and Community Vigilance

Police have appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or safety hazards that could lead to avoidable tragedies. The investigations into all four incidents are ongoing.

Ruiru Woman on the Run After Allegedly Stabbing Husband to Death During Domestic Dispute

A file image of a bloody knife

Ruiru Police Launch Manhunt for Woman Accused of Killing Husband

Police in Ruiru, Kiambu County, have launched a manhunt for a 35-year-old woman accused of fatally stabbing her husband, George Murage, following a domestic altercation at their home in Kihunguro on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

According to police reports, the couple engaged in a heated argument before the woman allegedly picked up a kitchen knife and stabbed Murage in the abdomen. Neighbours who heard screams from the house rushed to check and found the man lying in the living room, bleeding profusely, as his wife stood nearby.

“We found the man struggling to breathe and bleeding heavily. The wife was still in the house, but before we could alert the police, she disappeared,” said one neighbour.

A blood-stained kitchen knife, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered from the scene. Police confirmed that Murage was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

The suspect managed to flee the scene before police arrived. Officers from Kihunguro Police Station have appealed to the woman to surrender for questioning as investigations continue.

The victim’s body has since been moved to the county mortuary pending a postmortem examination and further forensic analysis.


Second Murder Reported in Witeithie

In a separate incident in Witeithie, also in Kiambu County, police are investigating the death of a man identified as Eric Muriuki, who reportedly died after being struck on the head with a stone.

Authorities are pursuing leads in both cases as incidents of domestic and violent crimes continue to rise across the region.


Police Urge Calm and Cooperation

Police have urged residents to report domestic disputes early to local authorities or community leaders to prevent such tragedies. They also encouraged anyone with information regarding the Ruiru suspect’s whereabouts to come forward.

Oburu Odinga Chairs First ODM Meeting Amid Party Divisions After Raila’s Death

Oburu Odinga Takes Charge as ODM Faces First Major Unity Test

Dr. Oburu Odinga, the elder brother of the late Raila Odinga, is set to chair his first ODM party meeting since assuming leadership following Raila’s death. The high-stakes gathering comes at a crucial time for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which is grappling with internal divisions threatening to shake its long-held unity.

Oburu’s elevation to the top seat marks a new era for the opposition party, historically anchored by Raila’s commanding influence in Kenya’s political landscape.

“I will not let you down,” Oburu assured delegates and leaders from Nyanza Region during a meeting at his Bondo residence on Friday.


ODM Grapples With Division and Leadership Uncertainty

Today’s meeting is expected to address growing factionalism, leadership confusion, and internal wrangles within the ODM ranks. In the absence of Raila’s unifying leadership, party insiders say sharp disagreements have emerged among senior members over ODM’s political direction — especially regarding potential cooperation with President William Ruto’s UDA once the current bipartisan framework expires in 2027.

Sources within Orange House revealed that while there is pressure to discipline members branded as “rebels,” the party leadership is opting for a cautious approach to avoid deepening internal rifts.

“Don’t expect any radical action. During the burial, Ruth Odinga conveyed Raila’s last message—he emphasized unity. We cannot afford early fights,” a senior ODM insider told The Star.


Nyanza Leaders Endorse Oburu’s Leadership

On Friday, Oburu received unanimous endorsement from ODM’s elected leaders and delegates across Nyanza, solidifying his position as the acting party leader. The declaration came during a consultative meeting held at his Bondo home, attended by governors, senators, MPs, women representatives, MCAs, and party delegates.

The endorsement followed the ODM Central Management Committee’s decision to officially appoint him acting party leader after Raila’s passing in India last week.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ praised Oburu’s leadership qualities, describing him as a seasoned statesman with the wisdom and composure needed to steer the ODM through turbulent times.

“I have confidence that Oburu has the maturity, wisdom, and experience to lead all ODM members—whether from the Coast, Nyanza, Western, or Nairobi,” Kajwang’ said.

He added that both ODM and the Luo community now face a historic test of unity in the post-Raila era, expressing confidence that Oburu’s leadership would steady the ship and preserve the movement’s legacy.


The Road Ahead for ODM

Political observers say Oburu’s leadership will be closely watched as ODM navigates its future direction amid shifting alliances and generational change. His ability to build consensus and restore internal harmony will determine whether ODM can maintain its influence as Kenya’s largest opposition movement.

As the party braces for a new political chapter, Oburu Odinga’s first meeting as acting leader marks both a symbolic and strategic moment — one that could redefine the future of ODM without Raila’s guiding hand.

KTDA Suspends Staff Travel, Off-Site Meetings, and Training in Cost-Cutting and Governance Overhaul

KTDA Halts Staff Travel and Training to Reinforce Governance and Cut Costs

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has suspended all staff travel, off-site meetings, and training programs across its subsidiaries in a sweeping move aimed at tightening governance and reducing operational expenses.

In an internal memo dated October 21, the KTDA management said the directive aligns with the group’s ongoing focus on governance, compliance, and cost optimization. The memo was addressed to all general managers, subsidiary heads, and department heads within the organization.

“All staff travel is suspended until further notice. No travel—domestic or international—for any business-related purpose shall occur without explicit prior written authorization from the Holdings Board through the Group CEO,” the memo stated.

The agency further instructed that no external meetings or workshops—including those held at hotels or factory sites—will be allowed unless they receive formal written approval from the Holdings Board, following a recommendation by the Group CEO.

Additionally, KTDA ordered the immediate suspension of all training activities, whether planned, ongoing, or upcoming, unless explicitly cleared by the CEO.

“This directive applies to all employees across all functions and levels. The only exceptions apply to operationally critical roles that must be pre-approved in writing by the Group CEO,” the memo read.

Department and subsidiary heads have been tasked with ensuring immediate communication and compliance with the directive across all KTDA business units.

Government Orders Audit of Tea Factory Loans

The KTDA restrictions come as the Kenyan government initiates a comprehensive audit of loans taken by tea factories managed under the agency. This follows growing concerns among farmers over low bonus payments declared for the current financial year.

Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Kipronoh Ronoh, said the ministry had received numerous complaints from tea growers regarding reduced earnings, prompting an in-depth review of the financial management practices in KTDA-managed factories.

“These concerns have necessitated a detailed review of financial obligations and management practices within the factories,” said Ronoh.

In a letter to Tea Board of Kenya CEO Willy Mutai, the PS directed the board to establish the total loan amounts borrowed by each factory, how the funds were utilized, the terms and conditions, and the current outstanding balances.

The Tea Board has been instructed to begin the audit immediately and submit a detailed report to the Ministry of Agriculture within 14 days.

“The findings will help the Ministry assess the financial sustainability of the factories and design corrective measures to address the challenges currently facing the tea sub-sector,” Ronoh added.

Industry Outlook

The KTDA’s latest measures mark one of the most stringent governance and cost-control actions in recent years. With the government’s audit underway, both the agency and the Tea Board are under pressure to restore transparency, improve farmer earnings, and rebuild trust in Kenya’s tea industry, one of the country’s top foreign exchange earners.

Drama in Mwea: Suspected Livestock Thief Nabbed After Daring Chase as Two Accomplices Flee!

Residents of Gakungu Village in Thiba Ward, Mwea-West Sub-County, Kirinyaga County, have arrested a suspected livestock thief following a botched attempt to steal sheep from a local homestead. Two other suspects managed to escape, abandoning their motorcycle at the scene.

According to residents led by Martin Mwaura, the three suspects allegedly stole three sheep from the homestead of Eddah Njeri early Friday morning. The thieves were reportedly caught slaughtering the animals about 100 meters from Njeri’s home when villagers responded to her alarm.

“Njeri raised the alarm at around 3 a.m., attracting villagers to the scene. The suspects fled, leaving behind their motorcycle, which helped us trace one of them. We found him asleep at his home around 6 a.m. and handed him over to officers from Thiba Police Station,” said Mwaura.

Njeri, who was visibly distraught, said she woke up to the sound of her sheep bleating and was shocked to find two of them already slaughtered.

“I could not believe it. I bought those sheep through our women’s group merry-go-round,” she said tearfully.

Residents say the Mwea region has witnessed a surge in livestock and poultry thefts in recent months, forcing villagers to keep night vigils to protect their animals.

“We’ve seen a rise in theft across several villages, including Kasarana, Ngukami, Maendeleo, Kangiciri, and Karira. Our patience has run out,” said Peter Mwangi, a local resident.

Mwaura further revealed that the arrested suspect, who is reportedly a miraa (khat) trader in Ngurubani Town, is believed to be part of a larger livestock theft network operating in the region.

“We’re glad residents didn’t take the law into their own hands. It’s unfortunate that some miraa traders operating at night in Ngurubani are also involved in stealing from our villages,” he added.

Police have since launched a manhunt for the two suspects who escaped and have begun investigations into the incident.

Microsoft Pushes for AI Education in Kenyan Schools to Power the Nation’s Digital Future

Kenya has been urged to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its national education curriculum as part of efforts to strengthen digital skills and prepare learners for the fast-changing global job market.

Technology giant Microsoft believes that early exposure to AI will help accelerate the country’s adoption of emerging technologies and reinforce its position as a leading innovation hub in Africa.

According to Winnie Karanu, Microsoft’s AI Skills Director, embedding AI education into Kenya’s formal curriculum will require strong policy support, teacher training, and institutional capacity building. She emphasized that introducing AI studies at all levels of education— from primary to tertiary—would ensure young people acquire the practical, future-ready skills needed in the modern economy.

“I think there is an opportunity to think around how we can turn this into actual policy — where we capacitate teachers, embed AI into the curriculum, and build the right level of capacity in our educational institutions,” said Ms. Karanu.

She noted that while several nonprofit organizations and private tech companies are currently offering digital training programs, there is a need for the government and education sector to take a more structured and sustainable approach.

“Right now, a lot of training is being done by nonprofits or other tech firms. The real opportunity lies in leveraging the existing infrastructure within our education system to deliver consistent AI skills training and improve learning outcomes over time,” she added.

Experts agree that integrating AI studies into Kenya’s education system would not only enhance students’ digital literacy but also equip them to thrive in industries driven by automation, data science, and machine learning.

The move aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to promote digital transformation, innovation, and youth empowerment through technology—key pillars in achieving Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Digital Economy Blueprint.

As the world races toward an AI-driven future, Microsoft’s call serves as a timely reminder that investing in AI education today is the foundation for national competitiveness tomorrow.

How to Start a Profitable Iron Nail Factory in Kenya

Kenya’s construction industry is booming — from new estates and high-rise apartments to rural housing projects. With this rapid growth comes a massive demand for building materials, and one product that’s often overlooked but always in demand is iron nails (misumari).

Imagine running your own small nail factory, supplying hardware stores, construction companies, and roofing contractors across Kenya. The best part? You don’t need millions to start — just the right knowledge, consistency, and strategy. Let’s break it down.


How Iron Nails Are Made

Nail production is surprisingly simple. Nails are made from wire, which is cut, shaped, and polished using a special nail-making machine. The basic setup includes three main parts — a wire reel (drawing machine), the nail-making machine, and a nail washer.

You feed the wire into the machine, adjust settings for length and thickness, and within minutes, the machine begins producing nails of different sizes — roofing nails, common nails, U-nails, and steel nails. The process is straightforward, but learning through YouTube tutorials or local technical workshops can make it even easier.


Buying the Nail Making Machine

The nail-making machine isn’t commonly available locally, but you can easily import one from global marketplaces such as Alibaba, Made-in-China, or eBay. You may also find suppliers at international trade fairs like the Canton Fair in China.

A standard machine costs around Ksh. 400,000, and it can produce up to 700 nails per minute depending on the model. That’s a serious production rate for a small business setup.

If you plan wisely, you can even import directly with a group of other small-scale manufacturers to share shipping costs and taxes.


Getting Your Raw Materials (Wire)

The main raw material for nail production is low-carbon steel wire, preferably Q195 wire, which costs about Ksh. 30,000 per tonne. You can source this locally from metal suppliers or importers in industrial areas like Nairobi’s Industrial Area or Mombasa Road.

One tonne of wire can produce roughly one tonne of nails, giving you an excellent return once you process and package it.


Setting Up Your Nail Factory

For the location, you’ll want a space near a major town but with affordable rent and good transport links. Ideal areas include Ruiru, Kitengela, Mlolongo, Athi River, or Naivasha — all of which have industrial potential and access to major roads.

A small factory space should accommodate your nail machine, wire storage, packaging area, and finished product storage. Ensure the space has a reliable electricity supply, ventilation, and safety equipment (like fire extinguishers and gloves for workers).


Budget Breakdown

To start small, expect an initial investment of Ksh. 500,000 to Ksh. 1,000,000, depending on whether you import new or used equipment. This budget covers:

  • Nail-making machine: Ksh. 400,000
  • Wire raw material: Ksh. 30,000 per tonne
  • Rent, setup, and permits: Ksh. 100,000–200,000
  • Labour and utilities: Ksh. 50,000–100,000
  • Packaging and branding: Ksh. 30,000

Once you’re operational, you can start with one or two employees and scale up as demand increases.


Profit and Sales Potential

Now for the exciting part — the numbers.
A 50kg bag of nails sells for about Ksh. 4,200. That means one tonne of processed nails can bring in around Ksh. 84,000 in sales.

If you manage to sell just one 50kg bag to 50 hardware shops per month, that’s Ksh. 210,000 in monthly revenue. With steady supply and strong marketing, it’s realistic to generate Ksh. 4–5 million annually.

And that’s just from one small setup! Many hardware shops and construction firms in Kenya import nails from China or India — meaning there’s room for local production to fill that gap.


Smart Ways to Grow Your Market

To increase sales, think beyond your neighborhood. Partner with:

  • Roofing sheet manufacturers and hardware distributors.
  • Real estate developers and construction companies.
  • Online B2B platforms like Jiji, Shopit, or Kilimall for industrial buyers.
  • Transport and logistics businesses to help with distribution.

Leverage digital marketing — create a Facebook or TikTok page showcasing your production process, packaging, and delivery. People trust visible, local manufacturers.


Final Word

Starting a small iron nail (misumari) factory in Kenya isn’t just about profits — it’s about taking part in Kenya’s industrial revolution. With the government encouraging local manufacturing under the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative, this is the perfect time to get in.

With an investment starting from Ksh. 500,000, dedication, and smart marketing, you can build a consistent, high-demand business that supports the construction industry — and your financial independence.

The construction boom isn’t slowing down anytime soon — so why not be part of it from the ground up? Your first bag of nails could be your first step to becoming a Kenyan industrial success story.

25 Die as Bus Catches Fire After Crash

The charred remains of a passenger bus lie along the highway after it caught fire early Friday, October 24, 2025, following a collision with a motorcycle.

A tragic road accident has claimed at least 25 lives after a passenger bus erupted in flames following a collision with a motorcycle. Several others were injured in the horrific crash that took place early Friday near Kurnool district in Andhra Pradesh state, India. According to police reports, the fire spread within minutes, trapping dozens of passengers who were asleep at the time of the accident.

The bus, which had 44 passengers on board, was travelling between Hyderabad in Telangana and Bengaluru in Karnataka when the incident occurred. Authorities say a motorcycle rammed into the speeding bus from behind, becoming lodged underneath. The friction and sparks from the impact reportedly ignited the bus’s fuel tank, triggering a massive fire that engulfed the entire vehicle.

Senior Police Officer Vikrant Patil told reporters that as smoke started spreading, the driver stopped the bus and tried to extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher, but the flames were too intense to control. Within minutes, the entire bus was engulfed, leaving passengers trapped with little time to react.

Some passengers managed to smash windows and jump out to safety, sustaining minor injuries. However, many others were trapped inside and perished before emergency responders could reach the scene. In total, 18 passengers escaped the inferno and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the motorcycle rider also died on the spot.

Rescue operations were carried out by police and firefighters who battled the flames for several hours before recovering charred bodies from the vehicle. A forensic team was deployed to investigate the cause of the fire and confirm the number of victims. Authorities are also investigating whether poor road lighting or excessive speed contributed to the crash.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, describing the incident as “deeply saddening.” He also prayed for the quick recovery of the injured. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu extended sympathies and pledged government support to the victims’ families, emphasizing the need for stricter road safety measures.

The deadly bus fire is the second such accident in India in less than two weeks. Earlier this month, a short circuit sparked a fire on a passenger bus in Rajasthan, killing at least 20 people. These back-to-back incidents have reignited concern over road safety standards in India, where thousands die annually due to poor infrastructure, speeding, and vehicle defects.

Safety experts have urged the Indian government to tighten vehicle inspection regulations, ensure buses are equipped with functional fire extinguishers, and improve emergency exit designs. Many long-distance buses in India still operate without proper safety equipment, making passengers vulnerable during accidents.

Messages of condolence have poured in from around the world, including from Kenyan transport safety advocates, who highlighted the need for better safety protocols across global transport networks. The heartbreaking tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety standards, stricter enforcement, and better emergency preparedness to prevent such devastating losses in the future.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace.

How I Make Ksh.1.2 Million Per Year From Garlic Farming in Kenya

From Struggle to Success: The Rise of a Garlic Millionaire in Meru

In the heart of Buuri sub-county, off the Meru–Nanyuki Road, lies a quiet revolution in Kenya’s farming scene — the story of Samuel Mwenda, a humble farmer who turned a struggling tomato and French beans venture into a million-shilling garlic farming business.

Today, Mwenda earns up to Ksh.1.2 million a year from garlic — a crop that many farmers still underestimate. His story proves that you don’t need vast land or luck to succeed in agribusiness, just knowledge, patience, and the courage to try something different.


Why Garlic? The Turning Point

Like many Kenyan farmers, Mwenda began with tomatoes and French beans, but disease outbreaks and poor markets left him frustrated.

“Tomatoes were too costly to maintain due to pests and diseases. French beans, on the other hand, had a limited market,” he recalls.

In 2003, he took a risk — planting garlic on just a quarter acre after getting a few seeds from a farmer in Timau. That single decision changed everything.


The First Harvest: From Sh.50,000 to a Million-Shilling Revelation

With an initial investment of Ksh.50,000, Mwenda planted 45 kilograms of garlic.

Ten months later, after breaking dormancy and battling pests, he harvested 1,000 kilograms, which he sold at Ksh.260 per kilo — earning Ksh.260,000 in his very first season.

“It was a surprise and a motivation to me. I realized this was the future,” Mwenda says.


Breaking Garlic Dormancy: The Secret Step Many Farmers Miss

Garlic has a natural dormancy period of up to 8 months, meaning it can take a long time to sprout unless properly treated.

Mwenda learned to store seeds in sisal sacks for warmth, which helps break dormancy within 3 to 4 months.

Today, many modern farmers use bio-stimulant hormones, which reduce dormancy to less than a month — allowing for faster germination and earlier harvests.


Soil, Fertilizer, and Crop Care: How to Grow High-Yield Garlic

According to Mwenda and agronomists at Meru University of Science and Technology, garlic thrives under cool conditions with adequate soil moisture during early growth, followed by warm, dry conditions during maturity.

Garlic Farming Guidelines

  • Spacing: 10cm between plants, 30cm between rows
  • Fertilizers: 100kg of NPK 17:17:17 and 100kg of CAN for top dressing
  • Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
  • Pest Control: Thrips, rust, and blight are major threats — require targeted pesticides
  • Watering: Consistent but moderate; avoid waterlogging

“The larger the clove, the bigger the bulb,” Mwenda explains — a golden rule in garlic farming.


Rotation & Year-Round Income

Mwenda practices crop rotation, planting garlic on half-acre portions twice a year. This helps prevent disease buildup and guarantees steady cash flow throughout the year.

From each half-acre, he harvests about 3,000 kilograms. At Ksh.360 per kilo, that’s roughly Ksh.600,000 per harvest — translating to over Ksh.1.2 million annually from just one acre.


📈 Garlic Market Prices in Kenya

Garlic prices in Kenya fluctuate — but never fall too low.

  • High season (May–September): Ksh.300–Ksh.400 per kilo
  • Low season (December–January): Around Ksh.200 per kilo

Even during the low season, garlic remains profitable, unlike most perishable crops.


Garlic Seed Preparation: Step-by-Step

If you want to prepare your own garlic seeds like Mwenda, here’s how:

  1. Dry harvested bulbs in the sun for one month.
  2. Disinfect using chlorine.
  3. Wash with organic soap to remove disinfectant residue.
  4. Prevent mould using organic salt.
  5. Soak in a bio-stimulant solution for 12 hours to break dormancy.
  6. Store in a controlled room (20°C) for two weeks.
  7. Sun dry for 2 days before splitting into cloves ready for planting.

Expert Advice from Agronomists

Dr. Peter Masinde, Head of Agriculture at Meru University, explains:

“Garlic grows well in cool, moist early conditions followed by warm, dry weather. Proper soil testing for nitrogen and phosphorus levels ensures higher yields. Excess nitrogen, however, reduces bulb quality.”

He warns that garlic cloves stored above 25°C may fail to bulb properly when planted — a mistake many new farmers make.


💰 Profit Breakdown (Half Acre Example)

ItemEstimated Cost (Ksh)
Seeds (200kg @ Ksh.200/kg)40,000
Fertilizer & Pesticides30,000
Labour20,000
Irrigation & Miscellaneous10,000
Total Cost100,000
Expected Yield3,000kg @ Ksh.360/kg = Ksh.1,080,000
Net Profit (After Costs)≈ Ksh.980,000

That’s nearly Ksh.1 million from half an acre — and the reason garlic farming is now being called “Kenya’s silent goldmine.”


🏆 The Secret to Success: Patience, Learning & Persistence

Mwenda’s success wasn’t overnight. He experimented, failed, learned, and improved over 13 years.

“I spray twice or thrice a week depending on pest pressure. Farming is about consistency and care,” he says.

His advice to new farmers:

  • Start small, even with a quarter-acre.
  • Learn continuously — attend local agricultural training and field days.
  • Network with other farmers to share experiences.
  • Focus on quality, not just quantity.

Final Word: Why Garlic Farming Could Be Your Next Million-Shilling Idea

Garlic farming in Kenya is one of the few agribusiness ventures that combines low competition, high demand, and year-round profitability.

With proper planning and modern techniques, one acre can yield 4,000–5,000 kilograms, fetching Ksh.1.2–2 million annually.

So, whether you’re a beginner farmer in Nyeri, Eldoret, Nakuru, or Meru, remember this — the next agribusiness success story could be yours.

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