First, happy new year guys. From the bottom of my heart wishing you a better 2021, better than the year we have just left behind. And take care out there because we are still fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Wear a face mask, sanitize, wash hands and keep distance. Not unless you are one of the few lucky ones who already got the vaccine.
Second, I feel like I have to apologise for not writing enough. I’ve been busy, to be frank, with farming (and you know how hard that can be during the festive season); with trying to assert myself in this place too. Being away that long comes with it’s own challenges. I have to get reacquainted with my past — my extended family (happened during family ceremonies like funerals and weddings) and friends. But all these doesn’t absolve me completely, and so I’m sorry for forgetting about you beautiful people. I’m back, let’s farm, share, learn, feed mankind, and become successful.
Third, I have some really interesting news for you: a fellow young man wants me to be his mentor. Can you believe it? Me to be responsible for someone else?
To be honest it freaked me out, I’ve never been anyone’s mentor before! Nevertheless I said yes. I couldn’t say no. That would be mean to be honest. I believe I have what it takes to put someone else under my wing.
The guy reached out to me on Twitter (lazarus_marson). He’s from Maua in Meru county, Central Kenya but recently working in Nairobi. He wants to start farming on his two acre piece of land. And from our initial conversation I think he just needs some guidance and moral support, which is basically what mentorship entails, isn’t it? In the future I will tell you how that goes. We need to get more and more youths into farming.
Last: On my farm progress. I’ve done quite a lot in the short period I’ve been here. My quarter an acre capsicum farm still bringing in cash, and the demand was incredible during the festive season. My kales are bringing in income as well, though not aa much as capsicum. My sister-in-law who owns a grocery kiosk is my sukuma wiki customer. Plus I noticed that more and more people are asking about the kale seedlings and so I saw that as an opportunity and put up my own nursery which will be ready by next week.
But on something else I’m really excited about that I have been working on throughout the festive season is planting the amaranth (locally known as lidodo or terere), saga (Cleome gynandra), and kanzira. They’ve already sprouted and in two weeks time they will be ready for market.
Speaking of market, I was thinking of packing the whole thing and taking it to Nairobi where I’m sure to sell at good price. But a friend of mine was disappointed in me for considering that. He thinks I should sell the vegetables locally where it can benefit our elderly and boost their immunity through this pandemic. I don’t know, but I’m tempted on the city market, and also because I’m trying to establish something for the long-term.
Anyway that’s it dear friends. And before I go, if you need any of those kienyeji vegetables I’ve mentioned above, get in touch. Have a great time.