In the heart of Rongai, Nakuru County, a retired military officer has transformed her life and community through farming. Madam Veronica Kimengech, once a secretary in the military and later a long-serving employee at Telekom Kenya, is now an award-winning farmer recognized by the United Nations for her innovation and impact. Her journey from uniform to soil is a powerful testament to resilience, smart farming, and the untapped potential of agriculture in Kenya.
Background: From Military Service to Farming Passion
Veronica’s story begins in Meru, where her love for agriculture was nurtured early. As a member of the 4K Club in primary school and later a student of agriculture in secondary school, she developed a lifelong passion for farming.
After serving six years in the military as a secretary, she transitioned to the corporate world, working at Telekom Kenya for 25 years. Yet, her heart remained in agriculture. Upon retirement, she fully committed to farming, channeling her discipline and organizational skills into agribusiness.
“Farming has always been in me. Even when I was in the military and later at Telekom, I knew I would come back to the soil,” she recalls.
Her dedication paid off when she was selected as a top trainee from Kenya’s 47 counties, earning a prestigious United Nations award for excellence in agriculture.
Smart Farming: Innovation on Small Plots
Veronica champions smart farming, a model that maximizes productivity in limited spaces. Her techniques are practical, affordable, and replicable for small-scale farmers across Kenya.
Vertical Gardens
Using vertical structures, Veronica grows over 100 plants in just 1.5 meters of space, harvesting up to 50 kilograms of vegetables per cycle. This innovation allows urban and peri-urban farmers to thrive without large tracts of land.
“You don’t need acres to succeed. With vertical gardens, even a small backyard can feed a family and generate income,” she explains.
Hydroponics
She also demonstrates hydroponic farming, growing crops in pipes without soil. This portable system is ideal for tenants and urban dwellers.
“Hydroponics is a game-changer. You can carry your farm with you if you move houses,” she says with a smile.
Climate-Smart Practices
In water-scarce Rongai, Veronica invested KES 200,000 in a massive water harvesting tank. This ensures year-round irrigation and shields her crops from drought.
Organic Farming
Rejecting chemical inputs, she relies on organic manure and bio-slurry from her biogas system. Her commitment to organic farming is driven by health concerns.
“Chemicals cause diseases like cancer. I want safe food for my family and community,” she emphasizes.
Livestock Diversification: Turning Setbacks into Strength
In 2021, tragedy struck when thieves stole her four dairy cows. Instead of giving up, Veronica pivoted to smaller livestock.
- Sheep and Goats: They require less feed (4–6kg daily compared to 20–40kg for cows) and reproduce twice a year.
- Poultry: She raises “improved kienyeji” chickens for eggs and broilers for the lucrative Christmas market.
“Losing my cows was painful, but it taught me resilience. Sheep, goats, and poultry are easier to manage and still profitable,” she reflects.
Trainer of Trainers: Empowering Communities
Veronica’s impact extends beyond her farm. As a Trainer of Trainers (ToT), she mentors women’s groups and youth, teaching them modern farming techniques.
She collaborates with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Health, ensuring her methods align with national development goals.
“I tell the youth: money is in the soil. Start small, apply for the Youth Fund, and grow step by step,” she advises.
Her workshops cover vertical farming, hydroponics, organic practices, and livestock diversification. Many of her trainees have launched successful agribusinesses, proving that farming can be both dignified and profitable.
Challenges: Water and Infrastructure
Despite her success, Veronica faces challenges common to Kenyan farmers.
- Water Scarcity: Her biggest hurdle remains access to reliable water.
- Poor Roads: Transporting produce to markets is costly and inefficient.
She calls on the government to invest in better water infrastructure and rural roads.
“We need support. Farmers can feed the nation, but without water and good roads, our efforts are limited,” she urges.
Advice to New Farmers
Veronica’s guidance is simple yet profound:
- Start Small: Avoid overwhelming projects. Begin with manageable ventures like vertical gardens or poultry.
- Invest in Water: Secure water harvesting systems to ensure sustainability.
- Go Organic: Protect health and soil fertility by avoiding chemicals.
- Diversify: Combine crops and livestock to spread risk.
- Seek Training: Learn modern techniques from experts and government programs.
“Agriculture is not punishment. It is a dignified career. With smart techniques, even half an acre can become a thriving business,” she concludes.
Broader Impact: Farming as a Path to Empowerment
Veronica’s journey resonates with Kenya’s broader push for food security, youth employment, and climate resilience. Her success demonstrates that farming is not just subsistence—it is entrepreneurship, innovation, and empowerment.
Her UN recognition underscores the global relevance of her work. By turning challenges into opportunities, she embodies the resilience of Kenyan farmers and the transformative power of agriculture.
Madam Veronica Kimengech’s story is more than personal triumph—it is a roadmap for Kenya’s agricultural future. From military discipline to farming innovation, she has proven that “money is in the soil.” Her vertical gardens, hydroponics systems, and organic practices show that small-scale farming can be profitable, sustainable, and empowering.
Her message to Kenya and the world is clear: Agriculture is power, profit, and dignity.