In the heart of Kitengela Kajiado East, 31-year-old Martha Atieno is rewriting the narrative by transforming challenge into opportunity and creating jobs through youth agribusiness in Kenya.
After working in formal employment from 2012 to 2018, Martha resigned to pursue training in agribusiness through a partnership between KCB Foundation and Mastercard Foundation.
The initiative targets young people aged 18 to 34, equipping them with self-employment, entrepreneurship, and digital agritech skills to unlock meaningful livelihoods.
In partnership with Latia Agribusiness Solutions in 2019 the Foundations established a model hydroponic farm in Kibiko, Ngong and this is where Martha first enrolled for training greenhouse hydroponic farming
When COVID-19 pandemic came it temporarily interrupted her training in 2020 therefore Martha returned later focused, by 2022 she was ready to launch her agribusiness journey.
Martha now runs a thriving greenhouse, growing tomatoes, local and English cucumbers, and sweet peppers. Since launching her venture, Martha has created over 20 job opportunities for fellow youth.
“There is money in the agriculture. Since starting my business, I have grown both financially and mentally. My dream is to empower and create opportunities for as many people as I can,” said Martha.
Her success comes at a time when, according to the 2024 Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Labour Force Report, over 15.1 million youth between the ages of 18 and 34 remain unemployed or underemployed a staggering statistic that Martha is determined to help reverse.
“I need people beside me to meet the growing demands of the business because I believe there’s power in collaboration. That’s why I’m intentional about hiring fellow youth and giving them a chance to improve their lives and support their families.” she stated.
Martha has become a well-rounded agripreneur over the past four years by mastering skills in bookkeeping, crop and farm management, and record keeping.
She also markets her produce using Facebook and WhatsApp to reach a broad client base across Kitengela and beyond. She has clients as far as Nairobi and other counties.
Martha big dreams for youth agribusiness in Kenya.
“I want to scale up to five or even ten greenhouses. That way, I’ll be playing my part in addressing youth unemployment and strengthening food security.”
Her journey is an inspiration to many, with the right support, young people can be the driving force of sustainable economic transformation.
