KenReshet

In 2023, Mugendi Muthamia co-founded Kimana Model Farm with the main aim of empowering rural African farmers by bridging the gap between advanced irrigation technologies and practical on-farm application. By showcasing drip irrigation and fertigation in onion farming, he demonstrates how water can be used more efficiently in arid and semi-arid regions like Kajiado County, where water scarcity is a daily challenge. More importantly, he not only demonstrates but also develops simple, easy-to-follow farming protocols that reduce risk and eliminate guesswork, making it easier for smallholders to transition to high-value crops.

He brings not just technical expertise to Kenreshet, but a vision of agriculture that is efficient, reliable, and accessible. By translating innovation into practical solutions, his work contributes to KenReshet’s goal of building resilient farming systems and making agriculture a more sustainable and attractive sector for farmers and investors.

Between July 20-30, 2025, we (Muthamia and Ongeso), together with eight other students from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev travelled from Israel to Kabalye Settlement Primary School in Masindi, Uganda, to help establish a sustainable vegetable garden under drip irrigation, using Netafim’s pipes.

After arriving via Addis Ababa, we wasted no time getting started. We mapped the site, soaked seeds, prepared the beds, and installed a drip irrigation system, ensuring every drop of water reached the plants efficiently. With the help of pupils and teachers, we connected the laterals, set up trellising, and completed the planting, transforming the small field (~ 500 m2) into a living classroom full of excitement and discovery.

Beyond the hands-on work, we engaged students and teachers in interactive sessions, showing how simple irrigation techniques can change how communities grow food in the wake of climate change. The drip irrigation technology has worked successively in dry countries like Israel, enabling them to export food and create employment opportunities. The student’s curiosity and enthusiasm reminded us why education and sustainability must go together. We also joined a local drama festival and visited a model primary school at Red Earth Education headquarters, learning how creativity and local innovation can strengthen education.