Edwin Githae: What we found out after investing in grape farming in Kitui

Edwin Githae, an agribusiness consultant, has shared important tips for farmers who intend to venture into grape farming in dry areas.

Githae, who currently manages a vineyard in Kitui, revealed that with the right management, grape farming is feasible even in dry areas, challenging the long-held belief that grapes can only thrive in cooler or temperate zones.

“With controlled irrigation, good soil management, and consistent care, Kitui’s potential for viticulture is starting to show,” he states.

According to him, one of the management practices grape farmers in dry regions should keenly observe is pruning. Githae explains that pruning not only manages growth but also improves the vine health, consequently reducing production cost.

“We prune to remove weak shoots, shape the canopy, and promote the development of strong, productive arms. Proper pruning improves light penetration and air movement—both of which reduce disease pressure and support healthier clusters,” he explains.

After pruning, farmers are advised to thin their vines to improve grape quality and vine health.

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“Once the grape clusters start forming, we reduce the number of bunches each vine carries. The goal here is balance. A vine overloaded with fruit will produce grapes that are small, less sweet, and prone to disease. Fewer clusters mean the plant can focus its energy on developing better-tasting and more uniform grapes,” he adds.

In a dryland setting like Kitui, Githae says that these two practices are not optional—they’re essential to achieve optimal results. The farmer relies on drip irrigation, using moisture sensors to guide watering decisions.

While the grapevines are drought tolerant once established, they still require consistent moisture during key growth stages including bud break, flowering, fruit set, and ripening.

Githae’s vineyard also features a canopy to protect the grapes from sunburn. The canopy is adjusted to provide enough shade without blocking all the light. This balance improves photosynthesis and protects the fruit as it matures.

Other management practices that the farmer observed are constant soil testing and fertilization.

“Soil in Kitui is mostly sandy and low in organic matter. Before planting, we amended it with compost and well-rotted manure. We test the soil regularly and apply nutrients only when necessary. Grapes don’t like excessive nitrogen, so we focus on maintaining moderate fertility with a balanced nutrient plan,” he explains.

“What we’ve learned so far is this: grapes are not out of place in drylands like Kitui. They simply need a well-managed environment. With the right agronomic advice, patient investment, and smart planning, farmers in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid counties can turn grape farming into a viable income source,” Githae noted.