Mushroom Farming in Kenya: How Profitable is it? Cost and Market Analysis

Not so many Kenyans have realized how lucrative mushroom farming is yet. It is a pretty impressive investment only a handful of the informed farmers in Kenya are getting into. The demand for the delicious and healthy fungi is soaring, which means that the current supply does not come close to being at par with the demand. This is actually the strongest factor causing the high prices of mushrooms in Kenya. 

As at June 2021, Zucchini Supermarket was selling a Kilo of button mushroom for almost KSh1,000.

mushrooms for sale in Kenya
Mushrooms for sale at Zucchini Supermarket

We actually gave the facts and figures about the mushroom demand in Kenya and the supply quantities that our farmers currently have in the article How To Make Money With Mushroom Farming In Kenya Throughout the Year 2021. The current prices are at an all-time high, simply because the mushroom market in Kenya is seriously undersupplied. So if you are looking for a side hustle that is probably going to pay more than your day job, mushroom farming is the way to go.

mushroom farming in kenya
Mushroom farming in Kiambu: Richfarm Kenya

Most people ask why mushrooms are expensive, being a fungus. One of the reasons is that mushrooms, also known as the “fruit” of the fungi family, are rich in antioxidants, lean proteins and essential vitamins. The other reason is that mushroom farming is quite technical. The challenging manner of its growth, being that they don’t grow in soil, inhibits people from taking it on as a viable investment. This could be easily solved by a farmer getting the technical knowhow from the experts at Richfarm Kenya.

Investment and returns of mushroom farming in Kenya

The initial investment is on a basic minimum. Let us take oyster mushroom farming as an example, for this is the easiest variety to produce in Kenya. With 1 square foot of space, they could easily produce 10kgs in a year’s time. With the current wholesale price of ksh 400 per kilo, one is expected to make ksh 400,000 in turnover from a 10’ by 10’ space. A small space is needed for the mushroom growth. A garage will do just fine, and for those without one, a grass thatched mud house will do. Remember to register for our weekly mushroom training sessions so you can learn how to make a simple mushroom house.

All this talk may give you a notion that mushroom farming is a walk in the park that you would start now and boom! Reap the benefits tomorrow. This couldn’t be farther from the truth, since the investment could be quite bumpy. For example, the substrate needed ought to have been sterilized in the right conditions, failure to which, the seeds wither.

After harvesting, mushrooms become highly perishable, one therefore needs a ready market post-harvest. The fresh mushrooms usually contain around 90% water content. Drying them has proven to preserve their nutrients and flavor hence one could invest in some drying equipment so as to extend their shelf-life.

Mushroom Market in Kenya

There are many individual buyers of mushrooms in Nairobi and other big town. Most of them buy in wholesale prices and resell the products to hotels or supermarkets. So we suggest that you carry out a market survey as you start your mushroom production. Visit the local vegetable market and talk to a few wholesalers whether they would be willing to buy the mushrooms from you, once they are harvested. Inquire on the price they would be willing to buy for.

Invest in good packages, since the packaging system, goes a long way in maintaining the mushrooms’ freshness. One should indicate the contact details, as well as the farm’s location, so as to attract future customers. Make sure to only package the good quality produce.

Place placards in the local vegetable shops and around your neighborhood. Ask your customers to spread a good word about your mushroom business to their family and friends. Make sure to always emphasize all the nutritional benefits of the mushrooms.

Farmers’ market provides a great way for the farmers since they get to sell a large part of the harvest all at once. This is because market days attract large crowds, who are looking to buy from the locals. You only need to set up a booth and you’re ready to go.

On large scale farming, farmers should look for companies that are producing dietary supplements from plant extracts. As discussed earlier, mushrooms are great immune boosters. Email them on their respective websites with your information.

Now days, whatsapp groups offer a reliable platform for marketing your produce. Create a whatsapp group with your neighbors and update them when the produce is ready for sale. Share delicious mushroom recipes so as to entice people into cooking the mushrooms.

Mushroom farming training

In order to get the details and professional help on how to grow oyster and button mushrooms, it is advisable to visit some successful mushroom farmers in Kenya and learn from their experience. Richfarm Kenya also conducts a mushroom farming training every weekday and Saturday at their farm in Kamwangi, Kiambu. You can call them on 0724698357 to book a space for training.

30 comments :

Anonymous said...

Am an enthusiastic new mushroom 🍄 farmer, very interested in production and value addition to make powder, poridge flour and biscuits. Am in Busia county

Anonymous said...

Am also interested In kisumu can we team up

Anonymous said...

I am also very interested in Bomet. Have you resumed training?

Anonymous said...

I'm really interested. In Nairobi.

Anonymous said...

Interested nairobi

Anonymous said...

Am intrested

Anonymous said...

Am interested in homab address

Anonymous said...

Am Kevin from Ndhiwa Homabay county, Am really interested in mushroom planting. How can you help me please?

Anonymous said...

Am interested in this venture too,where do I get training?

Anonymous said...

Based in Kirinyaga and I'm interested.

Anonymous said...

Am Jared, based in Nairobi. Am about to set up a mushroom growers shed in nakuru, bahati area. Am ready for any form of training that will help me start up. jarenjuguna@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Am Oscar from Migori, very interested how can you help me

Anonymous said...

Am Paul, in Nairobi am interested, how much is your training . Email address polmuturi@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

My button mushrooms are ready, looking for buyers. Am in Eldoret.

Anonymous said...

I m interested

Unknown said...

Interested in Kapsabet

Anonymous said...

Interested,Lydiah from Nairobi.email,nlydiah67@gmail.com

Nick said...

I'm Nicholus from Machakos county, greatly interested in the training of mushroom farming. Kindly guide me. imknicho@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I am interested ama in kericho kenya

Anonymous said...

Yes Anonymous..I'm a mushroom farmer for button in Busia town..may we team up.

George Ochieng said...

Hi Kevin, I'm George. I also come from Homa-bay and also interested in Mushroom farming, can we collaborate in this venture and if yes, can we meet and chat on the best way forward..... +254705471409

Anonymous said...

Hi jere am anew farmer in nakuru can we team up

Anonymous said...

I am from Nyeri and I am interested, how can I get the training? omfrijo@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

On carolynemokaya372@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

How much does a kilo of button cost in Nairobi. Am Marc from NRB

Anonymous said...

Am from Londiani area and would like to know where I can train near Nakuru. Kindly give me contacts of anyone who can assist.
Daniel kirui

Anonymous said...

I'm interested from kapenguria

Anonymous said...

Am Moses nairobi interested

Anonymous said...

Any mycologist in nairobi?

Anonymous said...

where specific in Eldoret