(Kiambu) – Dennis Macharia, a former cabbage and poultry farmer, has turned to mushroom farming, creating a successful business that is impacting both the local economy and his community.
Five years ago, Dennis Macharia ventured into mushroom farming, a decision he has never regretted. His shift came after facing challenges in vegetable farming, particularly with cabbage and dhania (coriander). He recalls the difficulty of sourcing markets for his produce and the constant frustration of dealing with middlemen. Additionally, his poultry farming venture was severely impacted by the rising cost of animal feed, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when feed prices doubled.
Despite these setbacks, Macharia did not give up. His inspiration came from online research and the work of Paul Stamets, a renowned mushroom grower and investor from the United States. Macharia was convinced by Stamets’ e-book on mushroom farming and saw it as a business that would bring him stability.
“I was inspired by the possibilities that mushroom farming offered,” Macharia explains. His commitment to the business paid off. Starting with a capital of KSh 20,000, he founded Garden Mushrooms, a company that has rapidly grown in Kenya’s mushroom farming sector.
Macharia, who also works at a pharmaceutical company, partnered with his wife to start the mushroom farm. Understanding the market, however, proved challenging. When they started, mushrooms were predominantly sold in upscale restaurants and hotels, particularly in Nairobi’s Westlands area. Macharia, however, had a broader vision—to make mushrooms accessible to low-income consumers as well.
Mushrooms, particularly varieties like white button mushrooms, are known for their high nutritional value. Rich in vitamin D and B, potassium, and antioxidants, mushrooms are also beneficial for brain function and bone health. Often considered a protein-rich alternative to meat, mushrooms are low in calories and high in fiber. Macharia emphasizes that mushrooms are not only a nutritious food option but also a business that generates income and provides employment opportunities for the local community.
Macharia’s farm has grown over the years. He converted an old chicken shed into a modern mushroom production space and now operates three farms. The first farm is 60 feet by 20 feet, the second measures 70 feet by 10 feet, and the third is 30 feet by 10 feet. These farms are equipped with modern ventilation systems and CCTV cameras to monitor operations.
In five years, Garden Mushrooms has expanded rapidly, growing from a team of four to ten permanent employees, with an additional 15 casual workers. “This business has brought us joy and has helped improve our income,” Macharia told Akilimali during an interview at his home in Githunguri, Kiambu County.
Macharia has also invested in cold rooms, thanks to funding from the Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC). His target market consists of upscale hotels and restaurants in Nairobi and Kiambu, along with supermarkets and wholesale buyers in the region. He also serves clients at City Park in Nairobi.
Each of Macharia’s growing rooms can produce up to 4,500 trays of mushrooms, with each tray weighing 250 grams. These trays are sold at KSh 180 to KSh 200 each. From preparation to harvest, it takes approximately 42 days to grow a batch of mushrooms.
Despite his success, Macharia faces challenges, particularly in sourcing high-quality mushroom seeds, known as spawns. These are often imported from South Africa or the Netherlands, and the cost of procurement is relatively high. However, his resilience and commitment to expanding his business have helped him overcome these hurdles.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Garden Mushrooms |
| Location | Githunguri, Kiambu County |
| Initial Capital | KSh 20,000 |
| Farm Size | 3 farms: 60×20 ft, 70×10 ft, 30×10 ft |
| Employees | 10 permanent, 15 casual |
| Market Target | Hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and wholesale buyers |
| Production Output | 4,500 trays (250g) per room, each priced at KSh 180-200 |
| Challenges | High cost of sourcing mushroom seeds (spawns) |