At just 28, Pauline Otieno is not only cultivating crops but she’s growing futures. Through her Agribusiness Pauline is transforming lives through job creation and championing for sustainable agriculture in Kenya.
Her story and 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. she later joined she joined the KCB Foundation and Mastercard Foundation’s youth empowerment programme
In 2018, Pauline Otieno enrolled at Miramar International College for an agricultural training programme. After graduating, she 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, 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,” she stated.
The inspiration to venture into sustainable agriculture struck her while working at Kibiko Farm. The experience she gained, ranging from production and marketing to networking, was transformative. It gave her the motivation to fully commit to farming. Before that, she worked as a hotel waiter in town, then later ventured into agriculture
Today, she grows coriander (dhania), cowpeas (kunde), local cucumber, and English cucumber on my farm.
“My dream is to employ many young people, 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,” said Pauline Otieno.
Her produce mainly reaches customers at Marikiti market in town, as well as local mama mbogas from different parts of the country. They also offer delivery services for clients who place orders.
Through a comprehensive five-year training program, Pauline gained invaluable agronomical support that laid the foundation for her success.
According to Pauline Otieno, learning what to plant, how to plant, and when to plant has been instrumental in navigating the ever-evolving challenges in the field.
Also Read: Nurturing youth agribusiness in Kenya through Sustainable Agriculture
However, like any other business, farming comes with its share of obstacles. Pauline Otieno acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges she faces is dealing with pesticide issues and access to quality agricultural inputs.
