A farmer in Laikipia County has emerged as an example of how innovation, climate-smart agriculture and agripreneurship are transforming rural livelihoods, while strengthening food security in Kenya.
Joseph Waithaka Wachira recently won a motorcycle in a promotion run by Bayer East Africa through its DEKALB maize seed brand, in a development that has not only rewarded his farming efforts but also highlighted the importance of certified seeds in boosting productivity.
Waithaka earned the prize after purchasing five bags of certified DEKALB seeds, scratching a verification code on the packaging, and sending it to confirm authenticity.
Unknown to him, the verification process also entered him into a raffle draw, where he emerged as the winner of the motorcycle.
For the farmer, the reward represents far more than a material gain. It marks a significant milestone in his journey toward modern, climate-resilient farming.
Since adopting certified DEKALB seeds in 2023, Waithaka says his maize yields have increased to more than 35 bags per acre, a notable improvement compared to previous seasons when he relied on uncertified seeds that struggled under erratic weather conditions.
“The harvests were low before, and the crops could not withstand changing weather patterns,” he said. “Now I have better yields, and the motorcycle will help me cut transport costs and improve my farm operations.”
He explained that the motorbike will enable him to access distant markets, transport farm inputs, and deliver livestock feed more efficiently, ultimately improving both crop and livestock productivity. The added mobility is expected to reduce logistical challenges that often limit smallholder farmers in rural areas.
Waithaka’s experience reflects a broader shift among farmers in Laikipia and neighbouring regions, where climate variability has forced many to adopt more resilient agricultural practices.
Erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells have made it increasingly necessary for farmers to invest in improved seed varieties that can withstand harsh conditions while maintaining high yields.
He is now encouraging fellow farmers to adopt certified seeds, noting their proven drought tolerance, reliability, and consistency even in difficult growing environments. His success story underscores the role of innovation and knowledge-sharing in promoting sustainable agriculture.
Speaking during the award ceremony, Eunice Waithaka, a distributor relationship manager in the Mt. Kenya region for Bayer East Africa, said the company has invested extensively in research to develop high-performing seed varieties suited to diverse agro-ecological zones across the country.
She noted that land fragmentation in the Mt. Kenya region has significantly reduced farm sizes, making it essential for farmers to maximize productivity on limited land. To address this challenge, Bayer recommends specific maize varieties such as DK 833/31 for dry areas and DK 09 for highland regions.
According to the relationship manager, the promotion was designed not only to reward loyal farmers, but also to address the persistent problem of counterfeit seeds, which has undermined agricultural productivity and eroded trust within the seed industry.
“Food security is a key pillar of the government’s development agenda. By ensuring that farmers access certified, high-quality seeds, we can help them achieve maximum yields from limited land,” she said.
Beyond grain production, the company is also promoting yellow maize varieties suitable for silage, which are rich in protein and support dairy and beef farming.
This approach is expected to strengthen integrated farming systems and improve overall farm profitability.
Other farmers in Laikipia County are already experiencing similar benefits. Daniel Ng’ang’a, a mechanic and part-time farmer in Ol Moran, Laikipia West Sub-County, said switching to certified DEKALB seeds significantly improved his harvests.
He noted that the increased yields have enabled him to sell surplus produce and support his family, including paying school fees for his two daughters.
Operating in a semi-arid area with prolonged dry seasons, Ng’ang’a said drought-resistant seed varieties have been essential in sustaining his farming activities.
“I needed a crop that could survive with little rainfall, and this has made a big difference,” he explained.
In Nyahururu, agripreneur Njogu Kibanya reported even higher yields, averaging 38 bags per acre.
Having relocated his farming enterprise from Nakuru County to Gatero location in Laikipia West Sub-County, Kibanya has embraced modern farming as a viable and profitable business.
“The maize stalks are also healthy, allowing us to prepare quality silage for our cattle. We are targeting all-round food security,” he said.
Kibanya is now encouraging young people to consider agriculture as a viable career path, noting that modern farming techniques, combined with improved inputs, can deliver quick and sustainable returns.
Agronomists attribute these success stories to a combination of improved inputs and increased farmer education.
Patrick Murimi, a Bayer East Africa agronomist in the Mt. Kenya region, said ongoing training programmes have played a critical role in helping farmers identify and avoid counterfeit seeds.
He added that farmers can verify seed authenticity by sending a code to 1393, while digital tools such as the FarmRise app provide weather forecasts, training resources, and traceability tools that are increasingly important in adapting to climate variability.
As Kenya continues to grapple with the dual challenges of climate change and food insecurity, stories like Waithaka’s highlight the growing importance of agripreneurship, innovation, and access to quality inputs.
With the right seeds, knowledge and tools, smallholder farmers are not only surviving, but are increasingly driving the country’s agricultural transformation and strengthening national food security.
By Antony Mwangi
