Anthony Ngatia, a farmer in Mwihoko, is steadily carving out a niche in premium strawberry production by blending modern technology with smart agribusiness practices.
Inside his greenhouse in Bilima Mbili, Kiambu County, rows of neatly tended strawberry plants stretch across a quarter-acre plot that also hosts his residence.
The fruits he harvests are deep red, glossy and firm, qualities that have secured him a loyal clientele in high-end markets across Kiambu, Nairobi and neighbouring counties.
At 30, Ngatia represents a growing generation of young professionals returning to agriculture with a modern outlook.
A graduate of electrical and telecommunications engineering from Multimedia University, he ventured into farming two years ago after working in several companies following his graduation in 2018.
“This is my main source of income. Every morning, I come here to work,” he said in an interview with the Nation.
Ngatia’s decision to grow strawberries was deliberate. While exploring agribusiness opportunities, he initially considered herbs and greenhouse crops such as capsicum.
However, he opted for strawberries after identifying their potential for steady production and strong market demand.
“Herbs are good, but they are seasonal. I wanted something that could provide consistent production throughout the year,” he explains.
His interest deepened after watching an online feature about a local strawberry farmer. He reached out for guidance and sourced runners, the planting materials used to propagate strawberries, marking the start of his journey.
With Sh60,000 drawn from personal savings and support from his mother, Ngatia set up his greenhouse and planted about 300 seedlings which have now multiplied to around 1,300 plants.
The growth has translated into higher yields. In the early stages, he harvested between 1.5 and 2 kilograms per week, averaging about 6 kilograms monthly.
Today, his production ranges between 50 and 60 kilograms per month, depending on plant performance and weather conditions.
Central to this transformation is the integration of technology. Ngatia has embraced artificial intelligence tools to enhance crop management.
The technology helps him diagnose plant issues, access agronomic advice and make timely decisions, significantly reducing his reliance on costly consultancy services.
“AI has been very helpful, especially in offering guidance on crop management. It helps me diagnose plant issues and make decisions faster,” he says.
Leveraging his engineering background, he is also developing Internet of Things (IoT) systems tailored to his farm. These include sensors to monitor soil pH and nutrient levels, as well as mechanisms to track water levels in storage tanks.
He is working towards automating irrigation and other routine processes to maintain optimal growing conditions with minimal manual intervention.
Ngatia primarily cultivates the San Andreas strawberry variety, an ever-bearing type that produces fruit continuously. This allows him to maintain a steady supply for his customers throughout the year.
He practices organic farming, enriching the soil with manure, biochar and agricultural lime. Nutrients are delivered through fertigation systems, while organic foliar sprays help manage plant health.
“It’s all about good farming practices: proper feeding, pruning, watering and pest control,” he says.
Despite the progress, challenges persist. Access to experienced strawberry farmers remains limited, making peer support scarce. Pest and disease management is particularly demanding under organic systems, where chemical interventions are restricted.
Climate variability has also tested the enterprise. Heavy rainfall previously caused fungal infections when he farmed in an open field, significantly affecting yields.
The shift to greenhouse production has since provided a controlled environment that shields the delicate crop from extreme weather conditions.
Also Read: Inside President Ruto’s multimillion modern farming business
