In Kenya, the dream of many young people follows a familiar script—go to school, earn good grades, and land a stable job. But for Elijah Njoroge, this was never the plan. The biotechnology and microbiology graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) took a different path—one defined by vision, courage, and an unshakable belief in self-reliance.
Defying the Conventional Path
After completing his degree, Elijah didn’t send out job applications—not even one. Instead, he chose to build his own career. While others sought employment, he built networks. He knew early on that meaningful connections could open doors no job application ever would.
“Networks are the lifeline of any successful business,” Elijah says. “At JKUAT, I met people who became more than classmates—they became future partners.”
Today, those networks form the foundation of his business:
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Architects design the greenhouses.
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Civil engineers handle irrigation and water piping systems.
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Horticulturalists provide expert guidance to new greenhouse farmers.
From Vision to Vintage Greens
At just 28 years old, Elijah is the founder and CEO of Vintage Greens, a company that provides cutting-edge agricultural solutions to individuals, institutions, and corporations across East Africa.
Founded in March 2013, Vintage Greens specializes in:
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Greenhouse construction
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Hydroponic system setup
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Farmer training and extension services
While greenhouse construction is often seen as a capital-intensive venture—and therefore out of reach for many young people—Elijah has proved that determination and smart networking can make anything possible.
Greenhouses in Seven Days
Vintage Greens has revolutionized the process of greenhouse construction. For Ksh 210,000, clients can have a fully installed 8 by 15-meter greenhouse in just seven days. Elijah personally oversees operations, balancing between supervising installations, consulting with clients, and exploring new business opportunities.
The company employs 18 dedicated staff members, all committed to turning ideas into thriving agricultural ventures.
Growth Beyond Borders
In less than two years, Vintage Greens expanded beyond Kenya, completing over 300 greenhouse projects in Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, and across Kenya. Its impressive client list includes
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The Catholic Church
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JKUAT
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Kiambu County Government
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JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency)
Innovation Rooted in Problem-Solving
True to its founding mission, Vintage Greens was built on three core pillars:
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To offer quality greenhouses and hydroponic systems.
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To combat soil-borne diseases.
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To link farmers to markets.
One of the company’s notable projects involves collaborating with Kiambu County to combat bacterial wilt affecting tomato farmers. Under the leadership of Dr. Monica Waiganjo, the County’s Executive Member for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, the project focuses on providing farmers with bacterial wilt-resistant tomato varieties.
Vintage Greens plays a key role by supplying research material and grafting the first batch of wilt-resistant tomatoes in all 19 wards of the county.
A Voice for Youth in Agribusiness
When asked about his success, Elijah attributes it to networking, hard work, and delivering quality results. But he also emphasizes the importance of youth participation in capital-intensive sectors.
“Many young people shy away from big ventures because they seem too risky,” he says. “But I’ve found that being young is actually an advantage — people are more open to supporting youth-led initiatives. All you need is courage, integrity, and the will to deliver.”
Inspiring a New Generation
Elijah’s journey is more than a business success story—it’s a challenge to young people to rethink success. While jobs are scarce, opportunities in agribusiness are abundant. His story proves that with innovation, collaboration, and passion, the youth can transform not only their own lives but also the agricultural landscape of Africa.
Key takeaway:
Elijah Njoroge didn’t just build greenhouses — he built a sustainable future, one farmer at a time.
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