In the verdant Ngata area of Nakuru County, Manoah Kilach has transformed agricultural practice through meticulous organic farming and technological innovation.
A retired educator turned agricultural entrepreneur, Kilach stands as a testament to the potential of modern, sustainable farming techniques. On a sun-drenched Friday morning, Kilach proudly displayed an extraordinary achievement: an unprecedented 11-kilogram sweet potato, carefully weighed beneath a guava tree. This remarkable specimen represents the culmination of 24 years of dedicated agricultural research and practice, during which Kilach has systematically cultivated and refined his farming approach.
Employing a holistic approach to agriculture, Kilach exclusively utilizes organic methods. He relies on manure from his own livestock and meticulously follows guidance from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro). His farm serves as a demonstration center for agricultural best practices, hosting a network of 36 local farmers eager to learn advanced cultivation techniques. Kilach cultivates six distinct sweet potato varieties, including the notably resilient Kenspot One and the versatile Kabode.
His commitment to soil health is evident in his regular nutrient testing and exclusive use of farmyard manure. This scientific yet natural approach has consistently yielded impressive results, with his produce attracting buyers from Nairobi’s markets. Beyond traditional crop production, Kilach is exploring value-added agricultural opportunities. He is investigating starch processing technologies to produce sweet potato flour as he envisions diverse culinary applications from chapatis to cakes.
His wife Zipporah supports this vision, highlighting the crop’s nutritional and economic advantages, especially in the context of rising food prices. At 60 years old, Kilach views farming as more than a profession—it is a calling. He advocates for technological adoption in agriculture, encouraging farmers to embrace modern methodologies and move beyond traditional practices. With an ambitious vision that includes potentially challenging the world record for the largest sweet potato, Kilach exemplifies agricultural innovation and sustainable farming practices.
His most recent 11-kilogram sweet potato is slated to be presented at his local church to symbolize gratitude and the potential of dedicated agricultural expertise. Through passion, scientific approach, and unwavering commitment, Manoah Kilach continues to inspire and transform agricultural practices in Kenya.
