Sukuma Wiki Farming Proves a Profitable Venture for Kenyan Farmers as Agribusiness Experts Launch Training Program

Sukuma wiki (collard greens) farming is emerging as one of the most lucrative agribusiness opportunities in Kenya, offering impressive returns to both smallholder and large-scale farmers, according to recent success stories and agribusiness experts.

With proper management, one acre of sukuma wiki can yield between 8,000 to 24,000 kilograms of leaves within a nine-month growth cycle. At a farm-gate price of Ksh 30 per kilogram, farmers can earn between Ksh 240,000 and Ksh 720,000 in gross income per season — figures that have been confirmed by real-life experiences across the country.

The Story of a Former Teacher Turned Successful Farmer

In Vihiga County’s Munango village, Christopher Angote, a former agriculture and biology teacher at Holy Cross Emalindi Girls Secondary School, is reaping the rewards of kale farming. On his two-acre farm, Angote grows approximately 30,000 sukuma wiki plants, spaced carefully to optimize yield and airflow.

“I have tasted the fruits of sukuma wiki, and I can say that only those who don’t know will despise it as a money-maker,” says Angote. “This crop is widely consumed throughout the year and has become my main source of income.”

Angote’s farm also features indigenous vegetables such as black nightshade (managu) and cowpeas (kunde), offering a steady mix of produce for local markets.

Every week, vendors from nearby towns including Luanda, Chavakali, Mbale, Majengo, and Kakamega pick up between 70kg and 90kg bags of kale directly from his farm. He sells each sack for between Ksh 2,000 and Ksh 4,000, depending on the season, earning an average of Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 36,000 weekly.

“Sukuma wiki is profitable because you can harvest every week for up to five months as long as you control pests and apply manure,” he explains. “It’s easy to grow, manage, and market.”

Choosing the Right Variety and Spacing for Maximum Yields

Experts say choosing the right variety is critical to achieving high productivity. In Kenya, three main kale varieties dominate the market:

1. A Thousand-Headed Sukuma Wiki

2. Collards Southern Georgia

3. Collards Mfalme F1

Among them, the Collards Southern Georgia variety is gaining popularity due to its dark green, tender leaves and ability to withstand hot weather. Farmers also praise its year-long harvest potential and resistance to disease.

To maximize production, agronomists recommend adopting closer spacing—15cm by 40cm—allowing up to 59,000 plants per acre, compared to traditional 60cm by 60cm spacing which only accommodates 11,200 plants. This denser planting helps suppress weeds, reduce evaporation, and boost yield threefold.

Soil Health, Irrigation, and Harvesting Best Practices

Soil rich in organic matter—such as well-rotted manure or compost—ensures optimal growth, better taste, and higher resistance to drought and disease. Farmers are encouraged to minimize excessive use of inorganic fertilizers, which can make kale bitter and less durable, especially in dry seasons.

Proper irrigation is equally vital. Sukuma wiki thrives on regular watering, preferably in the evening to reduce evaporation. Overhead irrigation systems are ideal as they maintain a favorable microclimate during hot weather.

To sustain production, experts warn against overharvesting, advising farmers to pick only 3–5 mature leaves per plant per harvest cycle and to rotate harvesting blocks weekly to give plants time to regenerate.

Targeting the Dry Season: The Secret to Big Profits

Market trends show that kale prices tend to dip during rainy seasons when supply is high but surge during dry periods when production declines. Agronomists therefore advise farmers to plan their planting cycles strategically to take advantage of high prices in the dry season — when a 50kg sack can sell for up to Ksh 2,000 or more.

New Training Initiative to Empower Vegetable Farmers

To equip more Kenyans with knowledge and skills in profitable vegetable farming, agribusiness experts Timothy Angwenyi (Business Consultant) and Justine Nyachieo (Businessman and Mentor) have launched a 22-day online training program dubbed Vegetables Farming Training.

The course, set to begin on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, will be conducted via a WhatsApp group to ensure accessibility for farmers nationwide. For a one-time fee of Ksh 200, participants will receive daily lessons, articles, videos, and expert guidance on 18 different types of vegetables — including kale, managu, saga, kunde, spinach, cabbage, tomatoes, and onions.

Training sessions will run Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with discussion sessions open until 7:00 p.m., allowing flexibility for working participants.

“Vegetable farming remains one of the most promising agribusiness ventures in Kenya,” said Mr. Angwenyi. “Demand continues to grow with the population, and farmers can start small and still achieve big results.”

Interested participants can join the training by sending the registration fee via M-Pesa to 0701711058 (Timothy Angwenyi) or Airtel Money to 0754839228, after which they will be added to the Vegetables Farming Training WhatsApp group.

With rising urban demand and a fast-growing population, vegetable farming—particularly sukuma wiki—continues to prove that small-scale agribusiness, when done right, can deliver large-scale profits and food security for Kenyan households.