Carrying an iPad in her left hand and a confident smile on her face, Patricia Chepkorir Lagat could easily pass for one of Eldoret’s young corporate executives. Yet, behind that professional aura lies a thriving farmer and entrepreneur reshaping Kenya’s horticulture scene.
At only 29 years old, Patricia has become a symbol of modern agribusiness success—using technology, passion, and determination to transform her dream into a profitable reality.
🌱 From Medicine to Farming
Patricia’s journey began with a bold decision. Four years ago, she made the unexpected choice to quit Moi University’s School of Medicine to pursue her love for farming. With unwavering support, her father—himself a university lecturer—loaned her KSh 200,000 to kick-start her venture.
“I always wanted to do something hands-on, something that would allow me to be innovative,” she recalls. “Medicine felt too rigid for me. Farming gave me freedom.”
🍈 Planting the Seeds of Success
Armed with determination, Patricia founded Horti Grid Limited, a horticultural company based in Eldoret. She began by planting over 1,000 passion fruit creepers on a 1.5-acre farm.
Her first seedlings, sourced from the Horticultural Crops Development Authority (HCDA) at KSh 40 each, were carefully nurtured. “Seedlings are booked three months before planting season to ensure quality grafts,” she explains.
By January 2012, seven months after planting, Patricia celebrated her first harvest—a moment that validated her decision to leave medicine behind.
“It crowned my efforts. I harvested around 300 kg of passion fruits weekly for 78 consecutive weeks.”
💰 Turning Fruits into Fortune
Since then, Patricia has sold over 25 tonnes of passion fruits to Kenya Fresh Limited at KSh 70,000 per tonne, earning a total of KSh 1.75 million. Her entrepreneurial mindset soon led her to diversify into tomato farming and greenhouse construction.
“I didn’t want to put all my eggs in one basket,” she says. “Our company’s mission is to promote horticulture development across Eldoret and its environs.”
🏗️ Building a Greenhouse Empire
In August 2012, Patricia reinvested her earnings into greenhouse technology. She recruited a small expert team—a horticulturist, a construction technician, and an irrigation specialist—and set up Horti Grid’s office at Tabain Plaza, Eldoret.
Her company began offering customized greenhouse construction and soil analysis services in partnership with Crop Nutrition Laboratory.
“We assess soil samples and recommend ideal greenhouse locations, crop types, and fertilizer regimes,” she explains.
“Each greenhouse is designed to meet individual farmers’ needs.”
Each unit, including soil analysis, costs around KSh 150,000, and she has built over 40 greenhouses, earning more than KSh 2 million from the venture.
🍅 Growing Tomatoes and Growing Dreams
Not one to rest on her laurels, Patricia ventured into tomato farming using greenhouses she built herself. With an initial investment of KSh 200,000 for seedlings and irrigation, she planted 2,400 tomato plants, each yielding about 8 kg of produce.
Selling at KSh 30 per kg, she has so far made around KSh 550,000 in profits.
Her next goal? To establish a processing plant that adds value to local horticultural products—creating jobs and reducing post-harvest losses.
🤝 Empowering Other Farmers
Beyond personal success, Patricia is passionate about empowering others. Recently, she co-hosted “Horti-Business Coffee Hour” in Eldoret, a networking event for horticultural entrepreneurs and enthusiasts.
“The turnout was encouraging. Farmers shared experiences, challenges, and innovations that could drive the sector forward,” she says proudly.
🌾 Looking Ahead
A former Moi Girls Eldoret student who scored an A plain in her KCSE, Patricia’s story proves that farming is not a fallback option—it’s a path to prosperity.
“In the four years I’ve been farming, I’ve realized it’s a deeply rewarding business,” she reflects. “Sometimes I wonder where I’d be if I had stayed in medicine—but I have no regrets.”
🌟 Key Takeaways from Patricia’s Success
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Follow your passion: Even unconventional career choices can lead to success.
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Start small, reinvest profits: Sustainable growth comes from smart reinvestment.
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Diversify income streams: Greenhouses, tomatoes, and passion fruits gave her financial resilience.
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Use technology and partnerships: Soil testing and expert advice boost productivity.
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Empower others: Sharing knowledge helps grow the entire industry.
🍇 Final Thoughts
Patricia Chepkorir Lagat’s journey is a shining example of how young Kenyans can thrive in agribusiness through innovation, determination, and smart investment. From passion fruit creepers to greenhouse construction, she has shown that success grows where passion is planted.
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