Rosemary Farming in Kenya

If you listen to many people, they mainly know Rosemary for its culinary uses.  Rosemary, however, is also used for medicinal and ornamental purposes. In the recent years, there has been a high demand for herbs in the local and international markets. Rosemary is a herb and it has not seen the exception of the high demand for herbs in the recent years. Knowledge is one of the greatest tools you can ever equip yourself with. Let us learn on the climates and soil requirements for rosemary farming, planting, harvesting, marketing and all that entails rosemary farming in Kenya.

Rosemary plants

Ideal climatic conditions and soil requirements for Rosemary farming

Rosemary can be grown in a number of climatic regions, but it thrives best in warm places. Optimal growth occurs at altitudes ranging from 1200-2400 metres above sea level with ideal temperatures ranging between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. On the soil requirements, rosemary prefers sand, loam soils that are well drained. Poorly drained soils can lead to root rot, a common problem encountered in rosemary farming.

Propagation of Rosemary

Rosemary is mostly propagated from seeds or through cuttings.  Each method of propagation has its advantages and considerations.

For seed propagation, germination can be slow and erratic, taking up to 4 weeks. It requires patience and careful nurturing. Propagation from cuttings is termed to be faster and more reliable than that of seeds. Cuttings from healthy, mature plants, root easily and maintain the characteristics of the parent plant.

Planting/ideal spacing for Rosemary

Once you have your seedlings ready for planting, you should prepare your land just like it happens for other plants. When planting, space the plants 50cm apart within rows and 70cm between rows. The spacing is ideal to ensure air circulation and reduces the risk of diseases.

Which is the best time for planting Rosemary in Kenya?

The best time to plant Rosemary in Kenya is at the onset of the rainy season. This timing will ensure the plants establish well with minimal irrigation. Rosemary is drought tolerant once established but before then, during the initial growth stages, it requires regular watering. Drip irrigation is the most recommended to maintain optimal soil moisture levels.

Fertilization

For organic farmers, during this stage, you can use organic options like compost or well-rotted manure to promote healthy growth as you enhance foliage production. For farmers farming inorganically, you can apply balanced NPK fertilizers at planting and top dress with nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the growing season.

Rosemary Pests and Diseases

Rosemary is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, there are a few of them that are still very common. They include aphids, powdery mildew and root rot.

Harvesting

Rosemary can be harvested 6 to 12 months after planting, depending on the growing conditions. Harvesting can be done year-round but the best quality is obtained before flowering.

Marketing your Rosemary

Rosemary has a robust market in Kenya and beyond. Potential markets include;

Local markets: You can sell fresh or dried rosemary to local markets, supermarket chains, and restaurants.

Export markets: Explore opportunities in international markets where there is a high demand for dried herbs.

Value addition: You can process your rosemary into essential oils, herbal teas, and other products to increase profitability.

Also Read:Basil Farming in Kenya

Raspberry Farming in Kenya

We can all attest that there has been a significant increase in the demand for berries in the last 3 years. In Kenya, a variety of different berries are cultivated, each with its unique growing requirements and benefits. We can talk of the strawberries, blueberries, gooseberries, blackberries, raspberries, goji berries name them all but for today let’s discover more on raspberries. Raspberries are vibrant, sweet-tart berries that are not only a delight for the taste buds but also packed with essential nutrients, making them a hit among health-conscious consumers. This guide provides detailed insights in to raspberry farming in Kenya, covering everything from climate requirements, soil preparation, planting, maintenance, harvesting and marketing.

Raspberry farming 

Climate and soil Requirements for raspberry farming

Raspberries thrive in moderate climates that have an altitude of between 1500 and 2,500metres above sea level which makes certain regions in Kenya particularly suitable for their cultivation. They prefer temperatures of between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius and an annual rainfall of 700 to 1200mm.

Raspberries grow best in well-drained, fertile soils that are slightly acidic with a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. They require loamy soils enriched with organic matter and that have a good drainage to prevent waterlogging which can lead to root rot.

Site selection/preparation and planting of raspberries

Selecting the right site is crucial for successful raspberry farming. A good site for raspberry farming is that which has a full sunlight exposure and good air circulation that is known to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

It is advisable that you avoid planting your raspberries where tomatoes, potatoes, or other nightshade were previously grown to prevent soil borne diseases.

Once you have an ideal site where you want to farm your raspberries, the next step of course is preparing the land. Land preparation involves clearing the land off weeds, rocks, debris, it involves soil testing, a process that is very crucial to determine nutrient levels and pH. In this step you will also need to improve on the soil fertility and structure by incorporating well-rotted manure or compost into the soil depending on the pH test results.

Raspberries require a spacing of 60cm apart in rows that are 2m or 2.5m apart. When planting make sure the plant is at a depth that fully covers the roots. Once you have planted do a deep watering that will ensure your  roots settle in the soil and you can also apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Pest and disease management

Common raspberry pests include aphids, raspberry beetles and spider mites. Diseases such as powdery mildew, botrytis, and root rot can also affect raspberries. Integrated Pest Management strategies, including regular monitoring, biological control, and appropriate chemical treatments are recommended.

Maturity Period/ Harvesting and Post- Harvesting Handling

Raspberries take about one year from planting to start fruiting. They are ready for harvest when they are fully coloured and easily detach from the plant. They need careful handling when harvesting and should also be stored in a cool dry place to extend their shelf life.

Market Opportunities

With the increasing consumer demand and diverse product use of berries, different market opportunities are available for farmers and entrepreneurs.

You can supply your raspberries to local markets, supermarkets, and specialty fruit stores. The demand for fresh, high-quality berries is strong, especially in urban areas where health-conscious consumers seek nutritious and fresh produce.  With proper quality control and certification, Kenyan raspberries can be exported to international markets.

Another lucrative and profitable market opportunity comes through value addition. Raspberries can be processed in to jams and jellies, juices, smoothies and flavoured drinks. Apart from being consumed fresh, they can also be frozen and used in baking, desserts, and as toppings for various dishes.

Raspberry farming is a great opportunity for farmers to make good income.

Also Read:Blueberry Farming in Kenya: The New Gold in Agribusiness

Giant Granadilla Farming in Kenya: The Biggest Passion Fruit Species

Giant granadilla also known as the giant passion is classified to be the biggest passion fruit species in the world. It bears large oval shaped fruits that have a thick green skin that turns yellowish as it ripens. On the inside, the passion contains a juicy, aromatic transparent pulp that has numerous seeds that are edible.

Giant granadilla fruit

Where is giant granadilla passion grown?

 Giant granadilla is grown in several regions across Kenya, particularly in areas with favorable climatic and soil conditions. But which are these areas? Granadilla is grown in regions such as Muranga, Kiambu, Nyeri, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Embu, Meru and Kakamega counties.

This giant passion thrives best in tropical climates where there is regular and well distributed rainfall of about 1,000- 2,000mm annually. For areas where the rainfall is below the expected, then irrigation would come in as a good substitute so as to help in the plant’s growth and fruit development. The plant prefers well drained sandy loam soils that have a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 and that are well drained.

Propagation

Giant granadilla can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or grafting.

Spacing

For commercial farmers, a spacing of 4 metres apart with holes of 60 by 60cm will be ideal so as to allow sufficient room for growth and air circulation. Spacing adequately will help prevent disease spread on your plants while ensuring they receive enough sunlight.

Trellising

Just like other passion varieties, giant granadilla is also a climbing vine. Its vines are vigorous growers and need sturdy support structures to manage their growth and maximize fruit production. It is important to construct strong trellises or arbours for the vines to climb. Properly trellising your granadilla vines will ensure you have a maximum production due to a number of factors that I have outlined in this article. Read :Increasing Your Passion Fruit Production Through Proper Trellising

Common Pests and Diseases affecting giant granadilla and their management

Common pests and diseases that attack giant granadilla are,

Aphids: They feed on the plant sap causing its leaves to curl, yellow and wilt. They excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and leads to sooty mold.

Mites: They cause stippling, discoloration, and premature leaf drop. Severe infestations can lead to reduced plant vigor.

Fruit flies: They lay eggs on the fruit leading to maggot infestation, fruit decay, and premature fruit drop.

Scale insects: They suck sap from plants leading to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and sooty mold development.

Leaf spot: These are small, dark spots on leaves that may coalesce, leading to leaf drop.

Powdery mildew: White, powdery fungal growth on leaves, stems, and fruit.

Fusarium Wilt_ This disease causes yellowing and wilting of leaves, vascular discoloration, and eventual plant death.

You can manage the pests and diseases biologically or chemically whereby you use the recommended pesticides and fungicides. It advisable to rotate the different modes of actions for chemical control so as to prevent resistance.

Also practise proper sanitation on your farm by removing and destroying diseased plant material and infested fruits.

Maturity/Fruit Development/ Harvesting

A ripe giant granadilla fruit

Giant granadilla plant takes about an year from planting to start flowering with its fruits typically taking 4-6 months to mature after flowering. The maturity of the fruit and the readiness for harvesting comes with a change in colour from green to yellowish and slight softening of the fruit. Once harvested ripe granadilla fruits need proper handling to avoid bruising or damage.

Read:Sweet Granadilla Passion Farming in Kenya

The fruits have a relatively short shelf life and that means they should be marketed or consumed quickly once harvested. Refrigeration can however extend their shelf life slightly.

Consumption/Value addition

The fruit can be consumed fresh or processed into various products such as juices, jams and desserts. The pulp is highly nutritious and rich in vitamin A and C, making it a popular ingredient in many culinary applications.

Also Read: Sweet Yellow Passion Fruit Farming in Kenya

Anthracnose Disease: Understanding and Managing Anthracnose Disease in Fruit Farming

 One of the major challenges affecting fruit production in Kenya is pests and diseases. There are a number of common pests and diseases that affect fruit production among them being anthracnose.

A watermelon fruit attacked by anthracnose

Anthracnose is a fungal infection that affects a wide range of plants, particularly fruit crops. It attacks the leaves, flowers, fruits and stem tissues. Anthracnose can lead to significant yield losses and quality degradation in fruit farming. In this article, we will delve in to the causes, symptoms, and management strategies for anthracnose in fruit farming.

Anthracnose is primarily caused by several species of fungi, with Colletotrichum being the most common genus. These fungi thrive in warm, humid conditions, making tropical regions particularly susceptible.

How do you know that your plants have been affected by anthracnose?

Symptoms of anthracnose vary depending on the host plant and the stage of infection. However,

v Your plants will show symptoms of tan, brown or black blotched areas on leaves.

v

sunken lesions on pawpaw fruit

Your plants will have dark sunken lesions on leaves or fruits. These lesions expand and cause fruit rot.

v You will see distortion and curling of leaves on your plants.

v Your plants twigs and shoots will have dieback from the tips

v Your plant will start to wilt and may eventually die because the tissues will be dried up.

Impact of anthracnose on fruit farming.

The impact of anthracnose on fruit farming can be devastating. It affects both the quantity and quality of fruits. First, it leads to yield losses. Anthracnose causes lesions and rot on the fruits making them unfit for sale or consumption. This directly affects the yield and marketability as the affected fruits need to be discarded.

Management strategies

Effective management of anthracnose involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical treatments and biological measures.

1.    Cultural practices

Selectively remove and destroy infected plant branches, twigs or fruits to reduce the source of fungal spores. Apart from removing infected parts of the plant, it is also advisable to prune regularly to improve on air circulation and humidity which might highly attract fungus.

Another cultural practice that is important and we shouldn’t often overlook is crop rotation. If anthracnose is in the soil already, it will just give you a tough cause if you plant the same crop repeatedly. Rotate with non-host crops to break the disease cycle.

2.    Chemical treatments

Anthracnose is a fungal infection and therefore managing it chemically entails applying fungicides at critical times, such as before the onset of the wet weather and during periods of high humidity. Common fungicides include copper-based products, mancozeb, and systemic fungicides like azoxystrobin. You can also use the likes of Daconil, Ransom 600WP, Domain 250EC, Ducasse 250EC, and Chariot 500SC that are readily available in agrovets.

3.    Biological control

Controlling anthracnose biologically involves use of beneficial microorganisms to suppress the growth of anthracnose causing fungi and planting disease resistant cultivars.

Anthracnose disease poses a really big threat to farmers, especially fruit farmers but with an integrated approach, it can be effectively managed before it leaves you counting mega losses.

Pomelo Fruit Farming in Kenya

Did you know that pomelo is the largest fruit in the citrus family?

Pomelo known as mbalungi/balungi in Swahili is characterized by its large size, often reaching up to 30cm in diameter and weighing between 1 to 2kg. It has a thick, spongy rind that ranges in colour from green to yellow when ripe. Pomelo originated from Southeast Asia before spreading to other parts of the world.

Pomelo Farming

Pomelo farming requires a warm climate with temperatures ranging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. It thrives well in well-drained sandy loam soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Pomelo plants require long hours of sunlight for crucial fruit development.

Propagation of Pomelo

Pomelo is primarily propagated through seeds or grafting. Grafting is most preferred as it ensures the propagation of desirable traits such as fruit quality and diseases resistance.

Step by step process for planting pomelo.

1.    Land preparation

Select a site that has a good sunlight exposure and clear the land off weeds and debris. Prepare planting holes measuring 60cm in diameter and 60cm in depth with a spacing of 8-10metres apart.

2.    Actual planting

Get your ready to plant grafted pomelo seedlings from certified nurseries. Place the grafted seedlings in holes, ensuring the graft union is above the soil level. Backfill with a mixture of topsoil and organic manure.

3.    Watering

Water the plants immediately after planting and continue to provide regular irrigation, especially during the dry season. Drip irrigation systems are efficient and as they help conserve water.

Pest and Disease

Common pests and diseases that are known to affect pomelos include citrus psyllids, aphids, fruit flies, citrus greening, anthracnose and root rot.

Maturity/Yield

Pomelo plant takes about 3 years from planting to start fruiting. A mature pomelo tree can produce up to 100-150 fruits annually, with each fruit weighing between 1 to 2kg. With proper management, farmers can achieve high yields, translating to significant income.

Market demand/ Marketing strategies

The market demand for pomelo in Kenya is on the rise, driven by increasing awareness of its health benefits and the growing middle class with a taste for exotic fruits. Additionally, the fruit has potential export markets in the Middle East and Europe. You can market your pomelos through local markets, supermarket chains, and export to international markets. Establishing and joining cooperative societies can enhance bargaining power and access to better markets.

How profitable is pomelo farming?

The initial investment in pomelo farming includes the cost of seedlings, land preparation, and irrigation systems. However, the returns are substantial due to the high market prices for pomelo, ranging between ksh100 to ksh200 per kg. With an average yield of 10-15 tonnes per hectare, farmers can realize a gross income of ksh1,000,000 to ksh3,000,000 per hectare per year.

Value Addition

Apart from being eaten directly, pomelo fruit can be processed into juices, jams and marmalades. Doing this value addition will definitely increase its market value. The thick rind of pomelos can be used to make candied peels, and this further enhances its profitability.

Nutritional benefits of Pomelo fruit

Pomelo is rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. It supports immune function, promotes healthy skin, and aids digestion. The fruit is also low in calories, making it a healthy addition to any diet.

Lettuce Farming in Kenya: Step by Step Process for Farming Lettuces

I started thinking about lettuce farming in Kenya when I first encountered a leaf in a burger, and I must say I loved it. The crisp, fresh crunch was unforgettable. This simple experience sparked my interest in lettuces, and I just realized that it isn’t just a tasty ingredient, but also a highly profitable crop for farmers. Lettuce farming in Kenya has gained a considerable growth in the recent years due to the increasing demand for fresh vegetables and the rise of healthy eating habits among the population.

Lettuce Farming in Kenya (Illustrative Image)

Best climate and soil requirements for lettuce farming

Lettuces thrive best in cool, mild temperatures, making highland areas of Kenya such as those in central and Rift Valley regions particularly suitable for cultivation. The optimal temperature range for lettuce growth is between 15-20 degrees Celsius. Extreme heat can cause lettuces to prematurely produce flowers and seeds, leading to bitter-tasting leaves and reduced yield. Lettuces prefer full sunlight and consistent moisture, however in very hot areas, shade nets or greenhouses may be required to maintain optimal growing conditions. On the soil requirements, sandy loam soils enriched with organic matter are ideal for healthy growth as they ensure good drainage and root development.

Step-by-step process for planting lettuce

• Step 1: Select an Ideal Site

• Choose a site with well-drained, fertile loam soil. You can also amend your soil to become suitable for lettuce farming by improving drainage and fertility through the addition of compost manure
• Ensure the site receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. That means you should plant them in an open field away from the shade of trees. 

• Step 2: Prepare the Planting Area

• Remove weeds, stones, and debris from the planting site.
• Loosen the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm through plowing to improve aeration.
• Conduct a soil test to determine fertility needs.
• Incorporate well-decomposed compost or animal manure based on soil test results to enhance fertility.

• Step 3: Acquire or Prepare Lettuce Seedlings

• Use seedlings prepared in nursery beds or seed trays. 
• Alternatively, purchase ready-to-transplant seedlings from certified nurseries or propagating companies. You can get high-quality lettuce seedlings from Richfarm nurseries. 

High-Quality Lettuce Seedlings at Richfarm Nurseries, Kenya

• Step 4: Transplant the Seedlings

• Space the seedlings 30 cm apart in rows that are spaced 45 cm apart.
• Transplant carefully to minimize damage to the seedlings.

• Step 5: Water the Seedlings

• Water immediately after transplanting to settle the soil around the roots.
• Maintain consistent moisture in the soil through regular watering or drip irrigation.

• Step 6: Prevent Waterlogging

• Avoid waterlogging by ensuring proper drainage to prevent root diseases.

Pests and diseases affecting Lettuces

Lettuce is susceptible to various pests and diseases, thus requiring vigilant management. Some of the pests and diseases that affect lettuces include,

• Aphids- These are sap sucking insects. They suck sap from leaves causing stunted growth in the lettuces. Aphids can be controlled using insecticidal soaps or pesticides.
• Downy mildew- A fungal disease that causes yellow spots on leaves. This disease can be prevented by properly spacing your lettuce for air circulation ad using ideal pesticides that are recommended by your agronomist.
• Cutworms- These pests cut the young lettuces at the base. Handpicking and using protective collars can help mitigate the damage.
• Leaf spot- Leaf spot is characterized by small, dark lesions on leaves, often controlled by copper-based fungicides and crop rotation.

Maturity period/ Harvesting of lettuces.

Lettuce can be harvested 45-60 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvesting lettuces involves cutting the entire head at the base or picking lettuces for loose-leaf varieties. They need to be handled gently to avoid bruising and damage. Once they are harvested, they are then prepared for marketing by cleaning, sorting and packaging while regulating the storage temperatures to maintain their quality.

Market opportunities for lettuces.

The market for lettuces in Kenya is diverse, encompassing local markets, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants. We also have export opportunities to other African countries and European markets where the demand for high quality produce is high. As a farmer, you can increase your market reach through ways such as.

·      Joining cooperatives or farmers’ groups to consolidate produce and negotiate better prices.

·      Exploring direct sales to supermarkets and restaurants for better margins

·      Leveraging digital platforms for marketing and sales.

Apple Farming in Kenya: What You Must Know About Apple Farming in 2024.

Apple farming in Kenya is slowly gaining popularity. This may be due to the high and increasing demand of the fruit while there is limited local supply. Most of the fruits found in the local market are imported from South Africa. South Africa is the main supplier of apples to Kenya. Initially, the farming of the fruit was confined to the highland regions of Kiambu, Kitale, and Nandi but as of 2024 we have the practice going on in most parts of Kenya including the drier coastal areas.

Apple farming in Kenya: Kirinyaga

In apple farming, there are three factors to consider in order to achieve a high yield with big juicy fruits. These are:

1. Ecological requirements for apple farming in Kenya
2. The orchard establishment practices
3. The apple market in Kenya

Ecological requirements for growing apples in Kenya

The orchard should be selected on a site having deep, fertile, well drained and well aerated loamy-sandy soil, with a slightly acidic to alkaline P.H of 5.5-6.5.

The crop does well in the high-altitude regions of 1800m-2800m above sea level, with rainfall requirement of 1000mm-1800mm per annum. However, very high amount of rainfall is associated with incidences of fungal disease. Regions with low rainfall amounts, irrigation is recommended as the apple tree requires high water amounts for the high yields.

Establishment

Propagation

Apples can be produced sexually through the seed or vegetatively through grafting and budding. For juicy and a high yield, grafting is highly recommended as the fruit retains their parental properties compared to seed production whose characteristics may vary from those of the parent plant. Propagation by seed is only used in the preparation of a rootstock. However, this is a stage you do not have to worry about because Richfarm Kenya has already grafted apple seedlings for sale. You only need to Call or Whatsapp us on 0724698357 and place your order.

Land preparation

During land preparation, the land should be cleared of all the trees, bushes or shrubs. Any obstruction including stones that might prevent root penetration should also be removed. All the annual and perennial weeds should be cleared from the site as well.

The spacing is selected depending on the rootstock, variety and the altitude of the site. The holes are dug in a square or rectangular layout at a spacing of 3m X 2m or 3m X 3m for smaller varieties and 4m X 4m or 4m X 5m for the medium and large varieties. The planting hole for apples should be 60cm deep and 60cm wide.

Planting

The top soil from the established hole is separated from the subsoil and mixed with 250g of TSP and 20kg of manure. On placing the tree inside the hole, the topsoil is first replaced and firmed around the root region to avoid air pockets. The subsoil is used to cover the hole and care should be taken as to level the planting hole with the surrounding area.

The apple tree is a self-sterile crop and thus needs a pollinator to be established in the orchard to encourage cross pollination thus fertilization of the crop.

Best Apple Farming Cultural Practices in Kenya

1. Mulching

A thick organic mulch is recommended to maintain moisture around the root zone during the early stages of crop development and also suppresses the growth of weeds.

2. Irrigation

Apples require a lot of moisture during the flowering and fruiting stage. Therefore, if you are growing apples in the hotter regions of Kenya, you will need to irrigate your trees. However, keep in mind that excess water around the root zone will encourage disease outbreak and thus low crop yield.

Apples growing under irrigation in Kajiado, Kenya

3. Pruning

Pruning will provide a strong framework for the apples and encourage high yields and the development of juicy and tasty fruits. During the first year the central shoot is pruned back to 1m from the ground to allow branching, and then 3-4 strong shoots are selected. During the second year the scaffold branches are pruned to encourage lateral branching. From the laterals 3-4 branches are selected and then pruned to encourage development of the lateral branches. The development of many lateral branches will increase the number of fruits each tree carries.

4. Nutritional needs for apple trees

Application of fertilizer is done according to the soil requirements and the leaf tissue analysis of the plant. So make sure you have done a soil test for your farm before planting the apple seedlings. But to generally guide you, a month after planting urea/CAN is added to provide Nitrogen to the plant and encourage growth. The subsequent years Farm yard manure, CAN at 125g per tree, DAP at 150g is applied in 2-3 splits per tree per year.

Also read: How To Grow Sweet Fruits And Keep Your Customers Coming Back For More

5. Pests and Disease control

Prevention measures are the best and most economical way for controlling pest and diseases and ensuring a high yielding crop. The measures include pruning, timely weed control, proper fertilizer application and selection of the suitable variety. Organic products such as neem extracts and synthetic pesticides and fungicides may be used to control pests and diseases respectively. We shall cover the common pests and diseases that affect apple farmers in Kenya in detail in another article.

The Market and Profitability of Apple Farming in Kenya

The best way to start apple farming in Kenya is by planting grafted seedlings. These seedlings will take 1 year to start producing fruits good enough to get you ready for the market. On the other hand, it will take 7 to 8 years for apple trees to mature if you plant them from seeds.  

Apple farming is one of the most profitable businesses with the potential of earning a farmer over 1 Million shillings in a year from 1 acre. An acre can accommodate 450 apple trees with a spacing of 3x3m and yield between 10 and 15 tons of fruit. A kilo of apples sells for not less than Ksh100, hence, a farmer with 1 acre can make Ksh1,000,000 to Ksh1,500,000. The average cost of setting up an acre of apples in Kenya is about Ksh300,000.

The best avenues to market your apples include:

1. Local supermarkets: This method is ideal for farmers with large production capacities. Supermarkets provide one of the most reliable marketing channels due to their formalized nature of operation. 
2. Local vendors: Almost every town in Kenya now has open-air fruit vendors and apples are some of the most traded commodities by them. They provide the most accessible marketing channel for small-scale farmers. Since most of these traders get their apples all the way from Nairobi City Market, they would be very happy to buy from you if you can deliver to their selling points. 
3. The Nairobi City Market wholesalers: These wholesalers provide another great way to offload your produce in bulk. However, you should be aware of market brokers who can take advantage of you if you try selling to the wholesalers at the market without prior arrangements.  

If you need any help with apple farming in Kenya, high-quality grafted apple seedlings, and setting up your orchard, call Richfarm Kenya on 0724698357.