After years of working in an office, Meshack Nzeki decided in 2018 to quit his job and venture into organic farming.

Having done several environmental stories as a journalist, Nzeki says he saw the need to help preserve the environment through farming.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu at the ongoing Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) show in Nakuru, Nzeki, who is the founder of Jutom Farm Biz Limited based at Maili Sita in Bahati-Nakuru, says he is committed to organic farming and empowering women and farmers who want to venture into organic farming.

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Starting with a single kitchen garden, Mr Nzeki now has over 16 kitchen gardens, a method of farming he says is best suited to people living in urban areas due to limited space.

According to Mr Nzeki organic farming attracts minimal pests and also helps the soil by not using chemicals.

"In my farm, I have over 16 kitchen gardens where farmers come and I train them in sustainable vegetable production using vertical gardens," Mr Nzeki said.

In the multi-storey vegetable garden he is showcasing at ASK show, Nzeki demonstrates how over 100 crops can be grown at a minimal cost. These include spinach, sukuma wiki, onions, tomatoes and other vegetables.

Nzeki's organic farming is in line with the theme of this year's Nakuru ASK Fair, which is to promote climate-smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth.

He notes that a kitchen garden can yield over 6 kilograms of vegetables per week, which in turn helps with sustainability.

Through his Jutom Farm Biz Limited, Nzeki has been able to work with other farmers to recycle the plastic that is later used in a vegetable garden.

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He has also ventured into organic products such as foliage and fertiliser. In addition to this he also educates farmers on the need to avoid the use of synthetic fertilisers.

For Nzeki, everything he does is about promoting green technology, innovation and climate change.

"I started doing this even before the theme of the exhibition because this innovation can support farmers and help them grow. The government should move fast and involve all stakeholders to make our county and country better," he says.

The Nakuru ASK Show opened its doors to the public on Wednesday and has attracted over 200 exhibitors.

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