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28-Year-Old Driving Change through Sustainable Agriculture
At just 28 years old, Pauline Otieno is not only thriving in agribusiness but also transforming lives through job creation.
Her journey into sustainable agriculture began five years ago when she joined the KCB Foundation and Mastercard Foundation’s youth empowerment programme.
Pauline’s passion for farming traces back to high school, where she first studied agriculture.
She went on to pursue a degree in Agricultural Economics and Resource Management at Kibabii University, further deepening her understanding of the field.
In 2018, she enrolled at Miramar International College for an intensive agricultural training programme.
After graduating, Pauline was selected to join Kibiko Farm in Ngong, a model farm established in 2019 by the KCB Foundation and Mastercard Foundation.
The farm provides hands-on training in hydroponic farming, with a focus on equipping young people aged 18 to 34 with entrepreneurship, agritech, and self-employment skills.
“Joining Kibiko Farm in 2019 was a game-changer for me,” says Pauline.
“The training I received at Miramar helped me gain the practical knowledge I needed to set up my greenhouse alongside my business partner Evans Owuor. Today, we have not only built a thriving agribusiness but also created employment for several young men and women who are now supporting their families.”
28-Year-Old Driving Change through Sustainable Agriculture
From Training to Thriving: Pauline’s Greenhouse Journey
The inspiration to venture into sustainable agriculture struck me while working at Kibiko Farm. The experience I gained, ranging from production and marketing to networking, was transformative.
It gave me the motivation to fully commit to farming. Before this, I worked as a hotel waiter in town, but once I stepped into agriculture, I never looked back.
Today, I grow coriander (dhania), cowpeas (kunde), local cucumber, and English cucumber on my farm.
“My dream is to employ many young people,” says Pauline.
“I want to continue working hard so others can learn the ropes. It would give me great joy to see someone start by working for me, then go on to build their greenhouses and eventually create employment for others.”
My produce mainly reaches customers at Marikiti market in town, as well as local mama mbogas from different parts of the country.
We also offer delivery services for clients who place orders. These loyal customers have played a critical role in my growth since I began my journey in agriculture.
Through a comprehensive five-year training program, I gained invaluable agronomical support that laid the foundation for my success.
Learning what to plant, how to plant, and when to plant has been instrumental in navigating the ever-evolving challenges in the field.
However, like any other business, farming comes with its share of obstacles. Pauline acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges she faces is dealing with pesticide issues and access to quality agricultural inputs.
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