How a First-Class Graduate Turned KSh 150,000 into a KSh 16 Million Agribusiness Empire

In a world where many young graduates chase office jobs, one Kenyan entrepreneur chose a different path—and built a multimillion-shilling agribusiness from scratch.

Milk cans

Meet Eric Mumo, a first-class graduate who turned KSh 150,000 in savings into a KSh 16 million farm enterprise, proving that passion, patience, and innovation can turn even the driest land into a goldmine.

From First-Class Degree to First-Class Farmer

When Eric graduated with First-Class Honours in Statistics from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in 2009, he had lucrative job offers lined up. But instead of joining the corporate world, he packed his bags and returned home to Nzangathi Village in Kitui County—one of the driest regions in Kenya.

His decision shocked friends and family, who feared he was “wasting” his education. But Eric had a vision—to prove that farming could be both profitable and sustainable.

Armed with just KSh 150,000 in personal savings, he bought his first Friesian dairy cow. That small step marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually change not only his life but also inspire an entire generation of young Kenyan farmers.

Building a Thriving Agribusiness

Eric’s first cow produced an average of 14 liters of milk per day, which he sold at KSh 60 per liter, earning him roughly KSh 75,000 a month. He reinvested every shilling into expanding his herd. Soon, he had 28 cows supplying fresh milk to local markets and restaurants.

But the real breakthrough came when he decided to diversify beyond dairy. He introduced horticulture (tomatoes and watermelons), fish farming, and poultry production—creating an integrated agribusiness ecosystem that now spans 15 acres.

The Turning Point: Investing in Irrigation

Kitui’s harsh climate posed a serious challenge, but Eric’s background in statistics and problem-solving helped him innovate.

“The turning point was when I decided to stop relying on rain-fed agriculture,” he recalls. “I invested in drip irrigation and sank a borehole to ensure year-round production.”

The investment paid off. In his first season of irrigated farming, Eric harvested hundreds of tons of watermelons, which he sold in Nairobi for a handsome profit—enough to buy an Isuzu pickup truck for farm logistics.

Each trip to the city fetched him about KSh 48,000, with several trips a week. His farm became a model of resilience and smart agribusiness.

Innovation That Attracted Global Recognition

Eric’s creativity and sustainable farming model quickly drew attention. His integrated farm—combining dairy, poultry, fish, and horticulture—operates in a closed-loop system where nothing goes to waste.

• Poultry manure enriches fish ponds.

• Nutrient-rich pond water irrigates vegetable crops.

• Vegetable waste feeds poultry and dairy cows.

This circular farming system dramatically cuts costs and boosts productivity.

It’s no surprise that Eric’s farm has been recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture for innovation and food security.

Today, Eric employs 12 full-time workers, supports hundreds of local farmers, and generates an average of KSh 500,000 per month from his diversified agribusiness.

Overcoming Challenges

The road to success hasn’t been easy. Eric faced countless hurdles—from access to credit to training workers and navigating unpredictable markets.

“Getting loans for farming was my biggest nightmare,” he admits. “Banks expect repayments immediately, but farming takes time. No crop can mature in one month.”

He advocates for stronger government support through agricultural financing and training, emphasizing that youth empowerment through agribusiness could drive Kenya’s next wave of economic growth.

Lessons from Mumo’s Success

Eric’s story carries powerful lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and graduates:

1. Start Small, Grow Steady—You don’t need millions to start. Begin with what you have and reinvest profits.

2. Innovate Around Challenges—Where others see problems, look for systems and technology that can create solutions.

3. Think Sustainability—Integrating farming units reduces waste and boosts productivity.

4. Be Patient and Persistent—Farming is a long game that rewards consistency and learning.

Looking Ahead

Eric now plans to transform his farm into a demonstration and training center to help other young farmers replicate his success.

His message to Kenya’s youth is simple but profound:

“Don’t wait for a job — create one. Get your hands dirty, and the land will reward you.”

💡 Final Thought

From a KSh 150,000 investment to a KSh 16 million enterprise, Eric Mumo’s journey is proof that the future of Kenya lies in smart, sustainable agriculture. With courage, creativity, and commitment, even the most arid soil can yield abundance.