Kuresoi women find economic empowerment in potato harvesting
Brenda Ng'eno collects potatoes during harvest at a farm in Kuresoi south on 13th November 2024.
A group of women walk along the furrow created by the plough, which is being pulled by two strong black bulls, each holding green bags.
As the bulls move, they swiftly collect potatoes from the soil, filling their bags as they go.
From one side of the row to the other, they continue until each bag is full, at which point someone picks it up and takes the potatoes to the storage area for sorting.
The pace is fast, matching the bulls, to avoid leaving potatoes behind and covered by the next row of soil.
Brenda Ng'eno explains that speed is essential in this work. "You can’t afford to let the potatoes get buried by soil from the next row," she says. "The bulls move quickly, and the farmer wants all the potatoes collected efficiently."
Women collecting potatoes during harvesting on November 13, 2024.
Brenda started providing harvesting services after four years as a roadside potato hawker, a job where she earned about Sh50 profit per bucket.
Her brother introduced her to harvesting earlier this year, and she says it’s been the best decision she’s made, allowing her to improve her life.
Brenda typically starts work at 8 AM and finishes at 1 PM, earning Sh300 for a day’s work, with the potential to earn up to Sh500 if she works overtime.
"The money from harvesting is far better than what I made as a hawker," she says, smiling. "Now, I can contribute to my household income and support my husband."
Additionally, Brenda can practice farming on her own plot, sometimes even taking a few potatoes for her household when allowed.
The 32-year-old is saving with the goal of buying land for large-scale farming, where she hopes to eventually employ other women from her community.
For Faith Maritim, this job has given her a sense of purpose since completing high school, as her parents couldn’t afford university.
Faith Maritim collecting potatoes at a farm in Kuresoi South on 13th November, 2024.
Brenda and other women have helped her adapt to the work and stay motivated.
"Some people may see this as demeaning, but it lets me provide for my child and be independent," Faith shares.
She’s also saving for college, hoping to start classes next year.
Both women mention that the work can be challenging, especially during heavy rains, which slow down the harvest while targets still need to be met.
Still, Brenda and Faith hope to inspire more women in their community to achieve financial independence.