Teenager Zinedine Muthoka explores urban farming in bustling Eastleigh

Zinedine Muthoka, from Airbase Ward, turned to farming mid last year, after he was unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints.
Nineteen-year-old Zinedine Muthoka is defying the odds, earning a living as a farmer in Eastleigh, Nairobi, a neighbourhood known for bustling streets as many engage in wholesale and retail business activities.
Unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints and with the resultant difficulties finding employment, he resolved to farm mid-last year, after completing his high school education.
More To Read
- Eastleigh businesses staring at losses from uncovered risks as many shun insurance
- Untold stories of Somali culture through pictures and art
- Eastleigh sugarcane farmers savour sweet profits from the rare venture
- Business as usual in Eastleigh amid nationwide anti-Finance Bill demos
- Tarmacking of Eastleigh's Eighth Street a welcome boost for businesses
- James Nduati's 20-year journey to building Eastleigh charcoal empire
With the guidance of his father, in a small space in his compound, Muthoka embarked on a journey of agricultural entrepreneurship in the heart of Eastleigh's Airbase Ward.

The teenager ventured into poultry farming, rabbit rearing, and cultivating various crops and medicinal plants including kale, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, mint plants, aloe vera and snake plants.
Despite the challenging urban environment and soil conditions, he persevered, determined to succeed.
"Urban farming is not easy here," he acknowledges. "But I had to make it."
Every morning, before the sun rises, Muthoka is hard at work, irrigating his crops and tending to his animals. The growth he has seen thus far, in the number of his animals, for instance, keeps him going.
"I'm happy to see my efforts paying off," he remarks with a smile.

Muthoka's dedication has not gone unnoticed as his community buys his produce.
"My neighbours buy vegetables from me. They support me," he notes.
Muthoka's journey has not been without challenges, top among them the perennial water shortage that Eastleigh residents have grappled with for a long time. The cost of purchasing water for irrigation significantly eats into his profits, making sustainability a constant concern.
"One of the biggest challenges I face is inadequate water to irrigate my farm," he says. "With Eastleigh facing persistent water shortages, I incur huge expenses buying water to irrigate my farm."

Theft is another major concern, he says, adding he must remain vigilant so he often sacrifices rest and leisure time.
"I have to be around most of the time to make sure no intruder steals my poultry," he says.
Muthoka says he will remain focused despite the challenges and urges anyone seeking to venture into farming and other money-making initiatives to exercise resilience.
Grateful for his father's support and the opportunity to pursue farming, he dreams of expanding his operation.
"I hope to supply my poultry products to large companies like Kenchic and cater to hotels in Eastleigh and other parts of Nairobi," he says.
Top Stories Today
- Kenya raises Sh194bn in Eurobond deal to ease 2027 debt burden
- Duale calls for strict organ donations laws as KUTRRH conducts first kidney transplant
- New report proposes PPP trust fund to tap pension, insurance capital to fund infrastructure projects
- Senior University of Nairobi Council officials charged with abuse of office
- Governors back private lease of four sugar mills in Sh12bn revival plan
- One year on: Kenyan-led Haiti Mission faces uncertain future amid funding crisis
- Chad's prosecutor launches investigation into former PM Masra
- Vivo V50 lite twins take on Samsung’s S25 Edge, at half the price
- MP Salasya: I was targeted by armed men after Isiolo rally
- Google prepares Chrome for Android to auto-fill SMS verification codes
- Isiolo governor demands release of two men he says were abducted
- Politician Philip Aroko freed on bail in Kasipul MP murder case
- Gabon's ousted president Bongo flies to Angola with family
- Livestock ministry warns budget shortfall will delay key projects
- Former Busia governor Ojaamong acquitted in Sh8m graft case
- Court suspends UDA's disciplinary case against Senator Orwoba
- Senate demands answers as land disputes turn deadly
- Mitumba trade no threat to local textile industry, new report finds
- Housing, Public Works warn of project delays, seek Sh6.8 billion boost
- FKE warns of job losses as high taxes force businesses to close