Maasai Rural Training Centre farm was started in 1990 as a demonstration
and training plot by the ministry of agriculture to educate farmers in Isinya,
Kajiado County.
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| Kales planted at the farm |
The farm has dug a borehole which is
used as the main source of water as Kajiado County is a semi-arid area with
prolonged dry spells. Drip irrigation is used to reduce water wastage.
“The farm gets seeds and seedlings
from Kakuzi, Kenya seeds company, Amiran, roadside nurseries and even as far as
Canada,” said Mutiso Mutwiwa, a worker at the farm.
Apart from the fruits that have
variable season within the year, vegetables are grown throughout. The farm’s
main market is Isinya town even though it is currently struggling to supply the
ever growing market in Isinya.
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| Oranges planted at the farm |
Some of the challenges facing the
farm include lack of enough workers, as there are only two workers at the farm.
There is also water rationing which has adversely affected farming activities.
The management of the farm has been
instrumental in mobilizing those living around Isinya to venture into farming
as a means of supplementing their family income.
“We have been at the forefront of
encouraging Isinya residents to venture into farming. This has posed stiff
competition for the farm but we believe it is for the good of Kajiado County as
a whole as we can be able to be produce enough food for the county,” said
Mutiso.
A lot needs to be done inorder to address
these challenges.The issues of lack of enough workers and enough water are the
most vital and fundamental.The fact that other farms practicing the same are
mushrooming in the area, sends a clear indication of what lies ahead in terms
of quantity and service delivery for the farm.
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