Eunice Aoya is a 3rd-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Agribusiness Management, she also runs a garden farm in Maseno leasing the farm for sh3, 000 every month to plant vegetables.
She plants peas, kales and red pepper and sells it to the local traders in Maseno market. She sources water from Maseno stream close to her farm in Shaba Lodge in Maseno. Aoya says she decided to venture into the business after realising she had a lot of free time after classes.
'' My landlord was friendly and she had an idle farm. I talked to her and she agreed to lease the farm for sh3, 000 every month, which I was comfortable with. Starting the business was no problem since my parents are farmers. My agriculture knowledge back in high school helped me a lot,'' says Aoya.
She farms a quarter of an acre.
''I wake up early in the morning at 6 am to water the crops. I also do a little weeding if I don’t have morning classes. I find a lot of satisfaction in my work. It's the joy of every farmer to see their crops grow and make a living from your own sweat,'' she added.
''I am planning to expand the farm to ensure a stable supply since demand is high. I also intend on developing a greenhouse to plant tomatoes which are on very high demand,'' stated Aoya.
Although the business is good, she faces a number of challenges.
''My biggest problem is the dry season. I am forced to buy water from the vendors which reduces my profits. I also have to balance class, work and my farm since some customers are available when I am in class,'' she said.
Students find Eunice a jovial, loving lady and help her in her farm work as well.
''I buy my kales directly from Eunice since they are fresh and cheaper,'' said John Matianga, a student.