Farmers in Kiambu are becoming more innovative by turning some sections along the Kiambu-Nairobi Road into commercial flower beds enabling them earn Sh20,000 monthly.
Some of the flower vendors said that the business is booming and that most of them are able to sustain their families from the money they get.
Margaret Kimani, a resident along Karura forest said that she has educated her three children to university level using the money she earned from the sale of flowers.
She explained that a friend introduced her into flower growing two years ago and since then, she has learned to love and cherish her work. She noted that the money she gets every end month is more than what casual labourers earn.
"I can make up to Sh20,000 profits when the business is doing well. One flower plant goes for Sh30 to 100 depending on the customers. Those from Runda and other affluent estates I charge more because I know they have money,” she said.
Another farmer John Mbuthia said that with a large number of people relocating to Kiambu, there is a growing demand for flowers. He said they are capitalising on the market around that area to curb unemployment.
"Growing flowers along the main roads enables one to get a ready market as many people can see them while still in their vehicles, "he said.
He noted that the agricultural sector has many opportunities for the youths which are still unexploited. He advised them to utilise unused fields to grow any kind of crops they think can do well.
Mbuthia said that most of them ventured into the flower growing business after many years of unsuccessfully searching for jobs. He added that people should be educated on how best they can utilise the resources available to generate income.
Kiambu County agricultural officer Jane Muigai lauded those working towards expanding the agricultural sector through their creativity.
"Every time I look at the flower beds when passing along that road, I marvel at how determined those flower farmers are,” she said.