Young people in Kisii are increasingly embracing agriculture as a source of income and a pathway to self-employment, building businesses in poultry farming, sugarcane production, and specialised grass and tree nurseries.
Some of the young agripreneurs began their ventures using personal resources before receiving a boost through the NYOTA Fund, enabling them to strengthen their businesses and pursue further growth.
In Getare Village, along the Kisii–Nyamira border, 24-year-old Denis Mosioma has expanded his poultry enterprise from an initial 10 chicks to more than 150 chickens.
Denis started with a small poultry house made from three sheets of iron, which could accommodate approximately 20 birds. However, the business has since grown despite challenges, including the high cost of poultry feeds.
He says support from NYOTA provided the financial boost he needed to expand the enterprise and continue pursuing his ambitions in poultry farming.
Denis’ progress has also encouraged other young people in the village to consider agriculture as a business rather than remain idle or depend on others for financial support.
Meanwhile, in Nyaguta Village, Kiogoro, in Nyaribari Chache, 27-year-old Michael Moranga is combining university education with commercial farming.
Michael, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Education, grows sugarcane and specialised grass. He says NYOTA support came at a time when his farming venture was already developing, helping him recognise its potential as a business that could be expanded.
His ambitions extend beyond local production, with plans to increase output and supply markets such as Nairobi. His experience demonstrates how young people can pursue commercial agriculture while continuing their education.
In Kiumbu, Reuben Nyabuto is also working to build a future through poultry farming. His enterprise suffered a setback after disease killed nearly 70 chicks, but he chose to rebuild rather than abandon the business.
For Reuben, the loss has become part of the learning process as he continues working towards expanding his poultry venture.
Daniel Ombongi, an architect by training, has also ventured into agriculture as an additional source of income. He grows sugarcane and operates a tree nursery, with expectations that the businesses will begin generating returns in the near future.
The experiences of the four young men highlight how agriculture is providing an alternative pathway to employment, allowing young people to create income, build independence and work towards becoming employers rather than waiting for formal jobs.
For beneficiaries such as Denis and Michael, NYOTA support has provided a timely boost to businesses they had already started, helping them expand their ventures while encouraging other young people to view agriculture as a viable commercial opportunity.
Read :Â From Survival to Enterprise: How Kenyan Youth Are Betting on NYOTA to Build the Future
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