From Street Poet to Agripreneur: Assumpta’s Journey of Hope
At just 30 years old, Assumpta Mwikali from Mavindini Ward, Makueni County, is redefining her future - and inspiring others along the way.
Once a street poet and spoken-word artist in Nairobi, Assumpta earned a living through small performances. When life in the city became difficult, she returned home, unaware that a new chapter awaited her.
Spotted by a Ward Agricultural Officer, she was encouraged to attend a World Food Programme (WFP) training in Naivasha. That opportunity sparked her passion for farming. With support from the Makueni Department of Agriculture, she joined the Kwa Kathoka Agricultural Training Centre (ATC) to study horticultural production.
Out of this training, she founded Young Farmer Solutions, a youth-led initiative promoting agroecology, soil health, climate change mitigation, and food sovereignty. Her skills soon attracted Africa Harvest, which contracted her to grow green grams. The income from that venture helped her establish a modern nursery that now supplies quality seedlings across the region.
Climate-Smart Nursery Innovation
Assumpta’s nursery stands out for using soilless media such as vermiculite and cocopeat - producing strong, disease-free seedlings that grow faster and require less water. This innovation is helping farmers in Makueni’s arid areas adapt to climate change while cutting production costs.
Beyond production, she trains youths, schools, and organizations in climate-smart agriculture, proving that agribusiness can be dignified, modern, and profitable.
Empowering Communities
Assumpta also champions Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), where community members pool resources to fund small businesses. The model is promoting financial independence and reducing reliance on external credit.
Her initiative aligns with the Farmer Service Centre (FSC) model - a Makueni County programme that identifies agribusiness gaps, trains farmers, and links them to markets. Assumpta is one of 30 countywide FSC graduates, each running youth-led enterprises in different value chains such as livestock, poultry, and horticulture.
During a recent visit to her farm, CEC for Agriculture Liz Muli lauded her innovation and urged more young people to explore agribusiness.
“This farm is more than just my livelihood; it’s a second chance at life,” said Assumpta. “Agribusiness is dignity, innovation, and opportunity.”
Smart Water Solutions
To sustain her nursery and pawpaw plantation, Assumpta uses a water buzzer to draw water from a nearby river, storing it in a farm pod system that ensures a steady supply for irrigation - demonstrating how creativity can turn scarcity into productivity.
Looking Ahead
Assumpta now plans to certify and expand her nursery to reach more farmers and create jobs for youth.
Her inspiring journey - from a struggling poet to a successful agripreneur - embodies Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr.’s vision of empowering youth and women, enhancing food security, and driving economic transformation in Makueni County.
Directorate: Agriculture
Date: 05 Nov 2025 11:13am