From subsistence to large-scale farming- The Life-changing Story of Eglyne Chepchirchir

Eglyne Chepchirchir Choge of Pembeni Farms in Trans-Nzoia County has significantly expanded her farming operations thanks to a loan from Equity.

From a small-scale farmer, Eglyne grew her venture to cultivating 10 acres of land and eventually acquired 400 acres where she farms: 200 acres of maize, rears 120 dairy and beef cattle, and keeps hundreds of poultry. She has also ventured into horticulture, specifically cabbage farming, and has excavated a dam for irrigation and water storage.

Equity’s support has been crucial in the growth of the farming business enabling her to expand to the farm, acquire a tractor, install solar power, and build an additional dam for irrigation. The bank has also provided financing for farm inputs like fertilizer.

“I decided to upgrade my tractor after visiting Sasumua Agriculture Model Farm during a Farmer Exchange Program in Laikipia, where the bank facilitated a learning experience on improved farming practices,” Eglyne said. She praised Equity for its pivotal role in her success: “With the bank’s support, I have grown substantially from a first loan of Ksh60,000, I can now access millions. My experience with the bank has been exceptional since 2015, helping me transition from small-scale to large-scale farming.”

Rift Valley Regional General Manager Stanley Ng’ang’a highlighted the bank’s commitment to agriculture saying, “Today, we deliver a Case 125 tractor, advancing agro-mechanization to improve productivity, conserve moisture, and save fuel, which translates to increased profits. We’ve supported Eglyne’s farming acreage and diversification to horticulture while linking her to market partners. We’ve also financed a 700m³ water pan which is in line with our Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan, where food and agriculture is a key focus.”

“We train farmers through modern farming techniques and expose them to model farms. We support them in moving away from rain-fed agriculture by empowering them with boreholes and water pans, and we provide insurance to mitigate risks,” Stanley added.

Michael Chege, Branch Growth and Development Manager at the Kitale Branch, noted, “We’ve helped Eglyne transition from micro loans to commercial loans, unlocking financial cash flow and facilitating the acquisition of machinery and inputs. Her participation in our farmer exchange program has greatly enhanced her skills and farming practices.”

Equity is also leading in clean energy solutions, offering solar installations for water pumping and financing biogas for dairy farmers, which reduces cooking costs.

Eglyne Chepchirchir Choge starts the engine of the newly acquired tractor. Looking on is Rift Valley Regional General Manager Stanley Nga’ng’a (left) and Michael Chege (right), the Branch Growth and Development Manager at Kitale Branch.

Solar water heating and general domestic electricity installed on the roof of Eglyne’s house.

(L-R) Elkanah Osim Equity Kitale Branch Relationship Manager, Credit, Nicholas Koros Equity Kitale Branch Relationship Manager, Business, Michael Chege, Branch Growth and Development Manager and Rift Valley Regional General Manager Stanley Ng’ang’a handing the tractor keys to Eglyne Chepchirchir Choge (right).

 

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