A green field of cabbage now stretches across the quiet landscape of the Meteitei location in Tinderet Sub County, announcing a season of reward for one farmer, whose determination has turned soil into profit.
As cabbages firm up and reach full maturity, the farm has become a hive of activity, with traders already lining up ahead of harvest.
Kiprotich Rono, a dedicated small-scale farmer, is preparing to harvest a bumper cabbage crop grown on three acres.
The crop has matured evenly, producing large, compact heads that meet market standards. For Rono, the sight is both reassuring and exciting after months of careful management.
“This is the stage every farmer waits for,” he says as he walks through the neatly spaced rows.
“The cabbages are firm and healthy. Now it is all about harvesting and selling at the right time,” he adds.
On average, one acre of well-managed cabbage yields between 10,000 and 10,500 heads.
Across his three acres, Rono expects a cumulative harvest of between 30,000 and 31,500 cabbage heads.
With current farm-gate prices ranging from Sh 30 to Sh 50 per head, the figures point to a strong financial outcome.
At the lower end of the market, selling 30,000 heads at Sh30 each would earn about Sh900,000. At the higher end, moving 31,500 heads at Sh50 each could bring in up to Sh1.58 million.
Even after accounting for production costs such as seed, fertiliser, labour and pest control, the farmer expects to make a healthy profit from this single harvest.
The market for the produce is already secured. Traders from Kapsabet, Nandi Hills and Eldoret have visited the farm to assess the crop and negotiate prices, while local vendors are also expected to buy directly from the field.
Cabbage remains a staple vegetable in many Kenyan households, ensuring steady demand throughout the year.
Rono notes that cabbage farming has steadily transformed his livelihood. Income from previous seasons has enabled him to reinvest in quality seed varieties, improve soil fertility and plan future planting cycles.
He is now considering staggering production so that at least one acre is always approaching harvest, ensuring continuous income.
As harvesting begins, canters and pickups are expected to roll into Meteitei, carrying away tonnes of fresh cabbage destined for regional markets.
For him, the cumulative figures tell a clear story: three acres of well-managed land, tens of thousands of cabbages, and millions of shillings in potential returns, a powerful example of how small-scale farming can deliver big results.
By Sammy Mwibanda
