The Coloured Story of Capsicums: Neema’s Bold Journey into Agribusiness

When Neema Kahiga started farming colored capsicums last June, she had a dream—a dream of turning KES 700,000 into profit within just one season. The plan was simple: invest in three greenhouses, plant vibrant bell peppers, and watch the returns roll in.

But as every first-time farmer learns, agriculture is not a fairy tale. It’s not the “Cinderella” story of overnight success—it’s more like “Cinderella Man,” the story of grit, persistence, and triumph against the odds.

🌱 The Dream: Farming Gold in Greenhouses

Neema’s journey began with the promise of gold—or rather, green, red, and yellow gold. Colored capsicums were touted as high-value crops fetching impressive prices in Kenya’s market. The projections were exciting: a single 8 m x 15 m greenhouse could yield 120–180 kg per week, with each kilogram selling at around KES 80 wholesale.

Do the math, and it sounds great—a potential KES 9,600 to 14,400 per week for up to eight weeks of harvest.

The investment math, however, tells another story. Each greenhouse costs roughly KES 180,000 to set up, meaning it would take at least two seasons to break even—if everything went perfectly.

💧 The Reality: Lessons from the Field

Fast forward to January—the end of Neema’s first season. Her total sales came to just under one ton of capsicums. The numbers didn’t lie: she hadn’t yet recovered her investment.

But more valuable than the returns were the lessons learned.

“There’s a sense of loss,” Neema admits, reflecting on her first harvest. “But it’s also a sense of growth. Farming teaches you patience, resilience, and the value of networks.”

🌾 The Turning Point: Finding a Market

Her breakthrough came when, after weeks of searching online, Neema connected with M-Farm, an agri-tech platform that links farmers directly with buyers. Through Linda, M-Farm’s co-founder and marketing lead, Neema secured a consistent market for her produce.

For the first time, she wasn’t just growing capsicums—she was selling them with confidence.

💡 The Takeaway: Farming Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Neema’s story mirrors that of many new farmers who dive into agribusiness with hope, passion, and big dreams. The truth is, agriculture is a long-term investment—one that demands learning, adaptation, and strong partnerships.

Her next season looks brighter. With the right market linkages and a better understanding of cost management, Neema is on her way to turning her greenhouses into profitable ventures.

“I now know that success in farming doesn’t come in one season,” Neema says. “It comes with persistence and the right support.”

🌈 Final Thoughts

The story of Neema’s capsicums is more than just about farming—it’s about courage, learning, and the colorful journey of growth. From red and yellow peppers to green profits, her story is a reminder that the road to success in agribusiness is not painted in one color—it’s a blend of patience, innovation, and resilience.