Education & Career
4 min read
How to Start a Career in Agriculture and Agribusiness in Kenya
KenyaHowTo Team
April 28, 2025
Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing about 33% of the GDP. With an increasing demand for food security and value addition, starting a career in agriculture and agribusiness is now more promising than ever.
The first step to start a career in agriculture is education. You can pursue a diploma, certificate, or degree course in agriculture, agribusiness management, animal husbandry, horticulture, or agricultural engineering.
Short courses are another way to break into the agricultural sector. Institutes like Egerton University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), and Kenya School of Agriculture offer specialized short programs.
Volunteering and internships in farms, cooperatives, NGOs, or agricultural companies give you hands-on skills. Practical experience is highly valued by employers and will prepare you for real-world challenges.
Identify your area of interest early. Agribusiness covers fields like crop production, livestock management, dairy farming, aquaculture, agro-processing, agricultural marketing, and farm consultancy services.
Starting your agribusiness requires planning. Begin with a detailed business plan that outlines your target market, products, projected costs, and revenue expectations. Business plans help attract investors and loans.
Land access is key. If you cannot afford land immediately, you can lease land or join cooperative farming groups where costs are shared. Many agribusiness startups in Kenya begin with small plots.
Government initiatives such as the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and Uwezo Fund provide financial support for young Kenyans looking to venture into agriculture and agribusiness.
Learn modern farming techniques such as greenhouse farming, drip irrigation, hydroponics, and organic farming. Kenya’s climate is ideal for innovative agricultural practices that maximize production.
Use technology to your advantage. Mobile apps like DigiFarm, iCow, and FarmDrive can connect you with information, finance, and marketplaces across Kenya.
Networking is vital for success. Join agricultural associations such as the Kenya National Farmers' Federation (KENAFF) or the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) to meet industry experts and peers.
Seek mentorship. Successful farmers and agripreneurs are often willing to share their experiences. Learning from them can help you avoid costly mistakes as you start out.
Understanding value chains is important. Agribusiness is not just about production but also about processing, packaging, distribution, and marketing of agricultural products.
Market research should guide your farming decisions. Know what crops or livestock are in demand and tailor your agribusiness to meet these market needs.
Stay updated on government policies, certifications, and export requirements. Kenya has strict guidelines for organic produce, meat exports, and agriproduct standards.
Invest in branding and packaging if you are selling directly to consumers. Professional packaging builds trust and increases the perceived value of your agricultural products.
Customer service is crucial. Whether selling raw produce, processed foods, or offering consultancy, satisfied customers will bring referrals and repeat business.
Start small but think big. Many successful agribusiness entrepreneurs in Kenya began with a few chickens, a small vegetable garden, or a handful of dairy cows.
Keep proper financial records. Accounting software and mobile banking make it easier to track expenses, profits, and loans even for small-scale farmers.
Diversify income streams. You can combine crop farming with livestock keeping, offer farm tours, or provide farm inputs such as seedlings and fertilizer to other farmers.
Attend agricultural trade fairs, exhibitions, and expos. These events offer opportunities to learn, market your products, and find new agricultural technologies.
Climate change awareness is essential. Adopt sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting, conservation agriculture, and organic farming to build resilience.
Agricultural financing is now widely available. Banks like Equity Bank, KCB, and cooperative societies offer agricultural loans and asset financing for farm machinery.
Partnerships with NGOs, government bodies, and private companies can provide grants, training, and market access for agribusiness startups.
Use social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to market your agribusiness products. Many young farmers in Kenya are growing their customer base online.
Finally, be patient and persistent. Agriculture takes time, and success comes from resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning.
By following these steps, you can build a rewarding career and profitable business in Kenya’s growing agriculture and agribusiness sector.
The first step to start a career in agriculture is education. You can pursue a diploma, certificate, or degree course in agriculture, agribusiness management, animal husbandry, horticulture, or agricultural engineering.
Short courses are another way to break into the agricultural sector. Institutes like Egerton University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), and Kenya School of Agriculture offer specialized short programs.
Volunteering and internships in farms, cooperatives, NGOs, or agricultural companies give you hands-on skills. Practical experience is highly valued by employers and will prepare you for real-world challenges.
Identify your area of interest early. Agribusiness covers fields like crop production, livestock management, dairy farming, aquaculture, agro-processing, agricultural marketing, and farm consultancy services.
Starting your agribusiness requires planning. Begin with a detailed business plan that outlines your target market, products, projected costs, and revenue expectations. Business plans help attract investors and loans.
Land access is key. If you cannot afford land immediately, you can lease land or join cooperative farming groups where costs are shared. Many agribusiness startups in Kenya begin with small plots.
Government initiatives such as the Youth Enterprise Development Fund and Uwezo Fund provide financial support for young Kenyans looking to venture into agriculture and agribusiness.
Learn modern farming techniques such as greenhouse farming, drip irrigation, hydroponics, and organic farming. Kenya’s climate is ideal for innovative agricultural practices that maximize production.
Use technology to your advantage. Mobile apps like DigiFarm, iCow, and FarmDrive can connect you with information, finance, and marketplaces across Kenya.
Networking is vital for success. Join agricultural associations such as the Kenya National Farmers' Federation (KENAFF) or the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) to meet industry experts and peers.
Seek mentorship. Successful farmers and agripreneurs are often willing to share their experiences. Learning from them can help you avoid costly mistakes as you start out.
Understanding value chains is important. Agribusiness is not just about production but also about processing, packaging, distribution, and marketing of agricultural products.
Market research should guide your farming decisions. Know what crops or livestock are in demand and tailor your agribusiness to meet these market needs.
Stay updated on government policies, certifications, and export requirements. Kenya has strict guidelines for organic produce, meat exports, and agriproduct standards.
Invest in branding and packaging if you are selling directly to consumers. Professional packaging builds trust and increases the perceived value of your agricultural products.
Customer service is crucial. Whether selling raw produce, processed foods, or offering consultancy, satisfied customers will bring referrals and repeat business.
Start small but think big. Many successful agribusiness entrepreneurs in Kenya began with a few chickens, a small vegetable garden, or a handful of dairy cows.
Keep proper financial records. Accounting software and mobile banking make it easier to track expenses, profits, and loans even for small-scale farmers.
Diversify income streams. You can combine crop farming with livestock keeping, offer farm tours, or provide farm inputs such as seedlings and fertilizer to other farmers.
Attend agricultural trade fairs, exhibitions, and expos. These events offer opportunities to learn, market your products, and find new agricultural technologies.
Climate change awareness is essential. Adopt sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting, conservation agriculture, and organic farming to build resilience.
Agricultural financing is now widely available. Banks like Equity Bank, KCB, and cooperative societies offer agricultural loans and asset financing for farm machinery.
Partnerships with NGOs, government bodies, and private companies can provide grants, training, and market access for agribusiness startups.
Use social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram to market your agribusiness products. Many young farmers in Kenya are growing their customer base online.
Finally, be patient and persistent. Agriculture takes time, and success comes from resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning.
By following these steps, you can build a rewarding career and profitable business in Kenya’s growing agriculture and agribusiness sector.
