Uasin Gishu, Kenya – At just 29 years old, Alex Kiplagat Kiptoo, an Information Science graduate, has defied the odds by building a thriving agribusiness from scratch.
From his Mbegu Bora Farm in Cheptigit village, Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County, Alex produces vegetable and fruit seedlings on a large scale, supplying farmers across Kenya.
After completing university, Alex struggled to find a formal job. Instead of giving up, he turned to agriculture, inspired by the high demand for quality seedlings and the need for modern farming solutions. He invested his savings into setting up nursery trays and greenhouses to produce healthy seedlings for crops like cabbages, tomatoes, onions, kale, and capsicum.
Unlike traditional seedbeds, tray seedlings reduce crop losses, shorten the growth period, and guarantee uniform maturity. Farmers also save on inputs since they transplant stronger, disease-free seedlings. This innovation has made Alex’s farm a trusted supplier for both smallholder and large-scale farmers.
Today, Mbegu Bora Farm produces hundreds of thousands of seedlings every season, earning Alex millions of shillings annually. His customer base stretches from Uasin Gishu to Nairobi, Kisumu, and even neighboring Uganda.
He employs 15 young people on the farm, offering them training and employment opportunities. “I know the frustration of being jobless. That’s why I want my farm to also empower others,” Alex says.
Alex hopes to expand his business by investing in automated greenhouses, irrigation systems, and cold storage to meet the growing demand. He also plans to set up an online platform where farmers can order seedlings and get technical advice.
Kenya is grappling with high youth unemployment, yet agriculture remains the backbone of the economy. Alex’s story shows how innovation in agribusiness can not only create jobs but also strengthen food security.