The rapid increase in urbanisation and urban food insecurity have resulted to the mushrooming of urban agriculture in Kenya's urban centres like Nakuru.
According to former Nakuru-based extension officer Reuben Odhiambo, urban agriculture has been taken seriously by those who depend on the enterprise as the main source of their livelihoods.
Odhiambo noted that the enterprise is practiced mostly by the urban poor, who eventually uplift their lives from their poor state to a stable life.
Anne Osieko, a widow and mother of three has been practicing this type of farming for over a decade, and the transformation has been exceptional.
"My life has changed, I used to scavenge for a living, but now, I have a stable income from the crops that I cultivate,” said Osieko.
Osieko has grown kales, onions, spinach and carrots at section 58, along the Nakuru Nairobi highway, saying the enterprise has helped her educate her children, in which the firstborn has just graduated from Egerton University, while two are in high school.
When Nakuru residents go to work early morning, she goes to water her crops, which she has planted In small plots and in sacks.
After watering her crops, Osieko normally harvests those that are ready and takes them to Wakulima market, where she spends the day selling.
She notes that in a day, she makes like Sh1,000, which she says is enough for her family and her other needs.
"In a day, I make Sh1,000 which is enough for my family, I am able to feed my children and even save some for their education,” added Osieko.
She however noted that the only challenge is land ownership, as she is forced to lease land for her farming business.
She also notes that security is a problem, as most of her crops are stolen at night, thus affecting her total income.