Re: Aloe vera in Kenya

95 Replies

Date: Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:28:50 +0300 [08:28:50 AM CST]
From: Areba Collins
Subject: Re: Aloe vera in Kenya

aloe vera can grow in almost all parts of Kenya, it is highly marketable but one needs a lot of patience and persistence to make profit out of it.

For farming, especially a quarter acre, youre better off doing intensively vegetables.

Youll be shocked how much a quarter acre of sukuma wiki can fetch.

cheers.

On Wed, Jan 21, 2009 at 10:39 AM, Peris Kamau wrote:

Hi,
The discussions on Aloe vera is interesting and a brilliant idea. It is a profitable enterprise with alot of immense potentials to boost poverty eradication more especially in Arid and Semi Arid areas. Beside Aloe vera which is exotic from South Africa, there are other indigenous Aloes species which according to recent research are much more better than Aloe vera in terms of superior quality of the Aloe gel and bitter gum. A.vera does not grow naturally in Kenya but it is cultivated and therefore any Aloe you see in the wild is not Aloe vera but could be any of the 60 species of Aloes divesity we have in Kenya. These other Aloes fortunately or unfortunately are protected under Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and therefore you need to get a clearance from KWS for certification purposes which actually is a simple process.

For more information on growing of Aloes in Kenya have a look at the following books available at KWS HQ not sure if they are in any bookshop.
1. Strategy for Conservation and Management of Commercial Aloe species in Kenya by Lubia et al., ( 2008)
2. Status and distribution of commercial Aloes in Kenya by Mukonyi et al., (2008).
Research institutions where you can obtain more information from Aloe experts and even have a nature walk in their Aloes gardens/nurseries include Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), National Museums of Kenya (NMK) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

All the best as we try to improve our livelihood

Peris

From: Kabeberi Muthoni
Sent: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 8:28:01 AM
Subject: Re: Investing in Kenya

Aloe vera does grow in the Rift Valley. In fact there is a factory in Baringo for processing, at least there was such a project a while ago. They can provide you all the info especially about species and if they can buy. If you still need more informationplese contact me on 0722842164
Muthoni

From: Henry Migingo
ent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 5:17:36 PM
Subject: RE: Investing in Kenya

Try Nyanza

From: irene wanyonyi
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 2:36 PM
subject: Re: Investing in Kenya

Can Alovera grow in Rift Valley especially in Kitale?
Irene

From: Kabeberi Muthoni
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 2:19:15 PM
Subject: Re: Investing in Kenya

With 100K and a 1/4 acre one can invest in the aloe vera business with pretty good returns too! But you will need a 12 – 18 month wait

Muthoni

—– Original Message —-
From: Henry Migingo
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 11:10:31 AM
Subject: RE: Investing in Kenya

Im curiously awaiting responses to this email. I hope to learn a lot too..

—–Original Message—–
From: cgathinji@ . . .
Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2009 4:56 PM
To: BIDII AFRIKA
Subject: Investing in Kenya

Wanabidii,

A friend of mine has a 100k that they would like to put into serious
investement in Kenya . Any ideas are most welcome.

CG

95 thoughts on “Re: Aloe vera in Kenya”

  1. Mary

    I would like to do aloe vera farming in Rongai Nakuru. I want advice on how to start and market the product. Also who to get in touch with for full guidance.

  3. Kilungu

    Hi,
    I am interested in doing aloe farming in Yatta Kitui. What are the chances of if doing well there? How is the processing? Can I do it on the farm or do I have to transport it to Rift Valley? Is it a must for it to be transported immediately or can I pile it up to fill a truckload?

    Thanks

    Kilungu

  4. paul

    i’d like to grow aloe for commrecial purpose.i hail from kano region in kisumu.here, the indigenous aloe does well naturally.advice

  5. Jan van der Vleuten

    Hi,

    Setting up a Aloe Vera or Aloe Ferox comp. is not easy. In certain surcomstances one can get help from the Dutch pum development organisation.

    In case you would like more info pls contact me.

    Jan van der Vleuten
    Corn. Mertenslaan 25
    2360 Oud Turnhout
    Belgium
    Phone / fax 32-14-723784

    email Janvdvl-kdr@pandora.be

  6. lucy

    i would like to grow aloe vera and i would like someone to assist me with information on how to go about it

  7. Ndesh

    Hi Am interested to do Aloe vera farming in those sides of Mogotio, Can anyone please advise. 0720 224 116, Johnson

  9. David

    hi,am intrested in aloe vera growing but do not have any idea on how to start.need help about aloe vera growing…..?

  11. michaelmutevu

    Hi Catherine,

    I am a business development consultant in the area of aloevera and Jatropha curcas in Kenya and I wud like to advise you to first carry out a feasibility study or a business plan. At the moment we are completing a feasibility study for a client who wants to plant aloe vera in Makueni. In the feasibility study all your questions will be answered from the best species of aloe vera, markets, technology, permits needed, production per acre, returns and potential sources of financiers/ equity or debt…Send me an email if interested.

    Michael Mutevu.

  12. john sigrist

    Greetings,

    I am an international consultant on aloe vera farming, processing and manufacturing. I have franchise opportunities using our ALOE KING name brand and marketing plan. Anyone intersted in an aloe vera project from A to Z I can provide a comprehensive project analysis and summary with business plan. Contact me at aloeking1@aol.com.

  13. winnie awo

    Michael mutevu:

    Please let me know how to get in touch. I would like a feasibility study carried out for Nyanza

  14. Amos nzioki

    Hi

    Am interested in aloevera farming , i have land in sultan hamud along msa road.

    I do poses a degree in horticulture

    Please advice on the way to go

    Amos

  15. Robert Karanja

    Hi,

    I’m interested in A-Vera farming and it sounds like there’s good return if done right.
    I’ve land but i’m wondering if there’s specific species for different regions? I hail from Thika.

    Any information, ideas, advices would be greatly appreciated pertaining to the timing, technology marketing and the costs involved.

    Ahsante sana.

  16. jack

    Hi,

    could some one tell me where to market aloe vera and how much an acre can bring in terms of returns

  18. ruth njeri

    Hi I have land in Malindi district, Coast province and want to venture into Aloe Vera farming, need advice.

  19. Mworia

    Hi.
    I’m interested in growing aloe vera but i’m totally green.I have 2 acres of land in Lower parts of Meru which I’d like to grow aloe vera in.

    Please advice on the feasibility and the requirements..especially the starting capital.

  22. Rachel N. Mwangi

    Dear Sir/Madam,

    I have some ready aloe vera plants in my farm in Nanyuki, near town. I had started that project with a friend, and i do not know what happened to him, cos i have not heard from him now close to two years. I tried calling him over his mobile phone, but in vain.

    He is the one who introduced me to it, but now that i cannot trace his where about, please assist me because i spend alot of money in that project, of which i am still taking care of the aloe and they are very big and juicy after the last long rains.

    I am willing to take you to my shamba anytime you want. I work in Nairobi but there is someone taking care of them, I have a five acre farm and have planted just one half an acre, and transplanting the circus.

    I will be grateful, if you can come to my aid, because i spent alot of money and it seems that i am getting disperate.

    Thank you

    Yours

    Rachel Mwangi

  23. S kamau

    i want to develop a 5 acre piece of land near bahati nakuru. aloe vera sounds a good idea. is it viable on a 5 acre piece. anyone with forecast figures or projections

    s kamau

  24. Dickson Kasole

    Hi,
    I was introduced to Aloe Vera farming by Herbal Gardens Ltd of Nairobi, way back in 2007.
    I have now 350 stems of very high quality Aloe species called Aloe Barbadenesis Milla. This species has superior sap and is ready now for first harvest.
    I have over 2000 other young seedlings.
    Am looking for a serious market / buyer to do business with.
    Can i please get contacts.

    Dickson Kasole.

    Email: dicksonkasole@yahoo.co.uk
    Mobile: +254 721 441 215 or +254 734 715 631

  26. Jennifer Oyieke

    I want to develop a 5 acre piece of land at Kitengela in Nairobi. Aloe Vera sounds a good idea. is it viable on a 5 acre piece. Anyone with forecast figures or projections.

  27. BRIDGET MUENI

    Hi, i have 24 acres of land at kibwezi. i want to use the land to grow aloevera. michael mutevu, we need to talk urgently. florence

  28. Dickson Musembi Kasole

    Hi All,
    As you can see my information / comment above on Aloe, am also intending to extract aloe sap / juice for sell in future since am still expanding my acrerage. Am looking for a serious invester whom we can partiner in this. I have the aloe and land at Kanyangi, lower ytta district in Kitui County. Invester to bring in money, machinery, technoloy and other resources as we may need. Sharing 50:50 of the proceeds. Any organization or individual willing?
    Contact me on +254 721 442215 or +254 734 715 631 Email: dicksonkasole@yahoo.co.uk

  30. Joshua Mwangi

    Hi am Joshua Patrick Mwangi.
    I am waiting for the rain to plant my Aloe Vera. I came to Understand Aloe Vera Barbadensis is the best and am planning to plant it by the end of this month.

    Get me and we can go together.
    Actually am looking to have a bumper harvest moreso i have a customer ready for it when it grows.
    get me on tuctech@yahoo.com.

  31. Fred Ouma

    Hope you are well. I write this following numerous and extensive inquiries made on Aloe Vera Farming, Trading / Business etc and in this vain, I promised to give you some information on the same.

    My History With Aloe Vera:
    My names are Fred Ouma, and I have been through schools of different proffesions that include:
    Food Engineering and Technology
    Information Technology
    Mass Communication
    Social Sciences Research
    Internet Marketting etc,
    I first ran into aloe-vera when I was a young boy and saw my dad use aloe vera extract to heal my brother of a skin infection that looked to have been caused by fungus. I later encountered people who used aloe vera orally to heal ulcers of the gastro intestinal tract and for healing many other ailments as well. I however, begun working on Aloe-vera when a boss of mine asked me to assist him as he had an aloe vera farm with ready plants to harvest in Kenya but didn’t know where to go from there. At that time I was a social sciences researcher and I took it upon myself to do a research on the plant and its suitability both as a medicinal plant and as a cash crop. What I came across really got me excited and very sad at the same time. I found out that:
    Aloe-vera commands a multi-million dollar market world wide.
    The potential of the crop has only been utilised to less that 1% in the country.
    The crop is resistant to many adverse conditions you would not believe.
    The crop is very particular in the way it is handled as it becomes self-destruct when it senses attack.
    The information about the crop is very vague out there and that’s why some farmers are able to plant the crop only for the processors to refuse to take their produce because it lacks the required aloin content.
    The farmers who have succeeded in selling their produce only managed to get 10-30% of what they deserve to get for the same.
    Not all aloe species are profitable in terms of aloin content contained in them and not all species are permitted for trade.
    These and many more facts, I was able to deduce and felt the need to first empower the local would-be aloe vera farmers to do their business in a way that would not only be profitable but sustainable at the same time.
    It is therefore worth-considering that for successful venture into the trade, accurate information is required and that’s why I set training groups of potential and existing farmers and traders in a bid to equip them with the most-relevant and latest knowledge required in aloe vera farming business.

    Curently am working on the design of an aloe-processing machine that I intend to work on to the manufacture stage and put the machines in the market at a much lower price than what curently exists in the international market.

    Aloe Circle:
    The Aloe Circle is the process that aloe goes through from the time it is sown as a sucker to the harvesting to the processing then transporting to the point of sale/delivery after proper packaging of the product. Throughout all this circle, there is very specific instructions to follow.

    Information:
    Knowledge is power and that is rightly as stated. I have been involved in the training and follow-up of farmers on aloe-vera issues extensively. I am currently involved in marketting aloe vera for Kenyan farmers to the international market and we’re beginning to see Fruits.

    Training:
    For training of organized groups I charge a moderate fee of USD 310 (This fee is exclusive of transport to and from Nairobi which can be discussed on negotiable terms depending on the means of transport agreed on) for a one day workshop. The initial workshop covers virtually all the important aspects of the trade that will equip the audience with the power to:
    Practise proper aloe handling techniques during cultivation.
    Market their product locally and internationally avoiding the traps of middlemen.
    To maximise on available resources in production of aloe products to maximise on profits.
    Subsequent sessions will cover aloe processing and follow-up of aloe products.
    Training on aloe processing will cost USD 400 (This fee is exclusive of transport to and from Nairobi which can be discussed on negotiable terms depending on the means of transport agreed on)
    Follow-up on on-going aloe-projects will be charged USD 150 (This fee is exclusive of transport to and from Nairobi which can be discussed on negotiable terms depending on the means of transport agreed on)
    Any further querries and inquiries can be put across through this e-mail address or through my Mobile Nos: +254722566330.

    P/s: It is easier for the organizers to ask participants to give calculated costs to cover for the trainings and subsequent costs.

    I hope you decide to empower yourself and wish you all the best in your profitable venture.

    Regards,
    Fred O.

  33. Patrick

    Am growing Aloe Vera Barba densis in Makuyu. Its nice. Doing fine. Am looking forward for good returns.
    Artemisia is also a nice investment if you can try it.
    It is fetching good returns. I have it in Murang’a Kiria-ini.

    Patrick

  34. NANCY KAGO

    i really want conclusive information and advise on
    -contat persons in nairobi
    -contract farming
    -profits margin
    -process in farming
    -etc

  35. Joshua Mwangi

    Hi Nancy. I have come to realize the wealth of this Aloe Vera. Right now i cant tell you about the ready market but we have made up a group of about 5 farmers who are serious in Aloe farming, we are on a mission to look for our own market, we are also planning to visit Baringo where there used to be an Aloe Vera Factory so as to understand it and see whether we can even use it.
    We are looking on a way of bringing Aloe farmers together and we jump start the market hunting for Aloe. Thats my number for anyone who wants us we try this route together. I BELIEVE TOGETHER WE CAN GET BETTER SALES FOR OUR ALOE VERA. 0720 561088 EMAIL tuctech@yahoo.com

  36. Peter Wachira

    There are many questions asked but there seems to be no one with satisfying answers that address the Milliard questions. I hope some one kind enough will touch on these questions systematically. I am sure those asking the same are desperate and or have some resources that would like to put into some use. Good people Please help.

  37. Joshua Mwangi

    Hi Friends. As i have posted above that we are putting up as farmers to get the market. We have already formed a group of about 10 farmers (aspiring and farming) to get the market. We are working in conjunction with KEFRI which will introduce us to KWS for license to trade Aloe Vera internationally because it is a protected specie. Then he will introduce us to KIRDI or KARI for processing. We are having our first meeting on 30th April In Nairobi as from 2 P.M. We can move together but for those who are serious in the business. Many of us have been frustrated by Herbal Gardens because they are selling the seedlings at 80 promising to buy the leaves but after they sell to you they disappear. Many farmers have dispared in Aloe Vera because of them hence the reason of working with the government to get the market for our products. You can contact me and we book you in tuctech@yahoo.com

  38. Joshua Mwangi

    Hi Friends.
    We will be holding our 3rd meeting on Aloe Vera farming this Saturday 25th June 2011 in Nairobi just to finalize on the society making. Personally i believe the greatest barrier in Aloe Farming is the market. Where the licenses are required its good to work with the government. I believe and know that UNITED ALOE GROWERS ASSOCIATION will be the last resort for many frustrated Aloe farmers in Kenya. WATCH FOR ITS WEBSITE LAUNCHING SOON. We have moved with speed to gain grounds and market and we believe we can hear the roaring waves hitting the shore where we will land soon.

  39. charles mutahi

    Hie, i have a 1acre piece of land in kamulu and would like to grow the alovera plant,would the weather there be favourable for the plant?actually i believe farming is all about dedication,patience good timing.so how long is going to take to be fully grown for harvest.and how much would it be?

  40. Mary

    I want to start farming aloe vera in Ruiru..would the place be favourable? How do i get to know how the farming is done,the market and the possible returns?

    Thanks

  42. Joshua Mwangi

    Hi
    The meeting was nice, we even had a field day in Limuru on 9th July. This Saturday we are having a meeting with KEFRI to chat the way forward in Aloe Vera processing and possible collaboration with the Government institution.
    We are working under our society which we believe will work out the handles that has made many frustrated.

  43. Jennifer Oyieke

    Dear Jaluo,

    I have not been able to communicate with regarding aloe farming but I am very interested. Please give me more information and how I can meet you and the group in person.

    Regards

    Jennifer Oyieke

  45. Joshua Mwangi

    Hi the next meeting will be to the end of August. We are also looking forward to have a database of all ALOE VERA BARBA DENSIS MILL Farmers, so if you are a farmer pliz just inbox me the information required so as we can have a group that can have a voice and lobby for better policies in Aloe Vera farming.
    provide-:

    Name:
    Tel:
    Specie Farmed:
    Acre rage:
    Location of your Farm:

  47. Joshua Mwangi

    @ Jennifer, @Charles, @Mary and Nancy.
    What is hectic now in Aloe Vera is the market and control of Leaf rust. But UAA (United Aloe Association) has come together to work out this issues.
    We believe in the strength of farmers coming together and sharing information will be the greatest force to lobby for better policies and market our products.
    We have been having meetings and on 20th August UAA will have one more meeting @ KEFRI and that will be to get the way forward in Powder processing. We have the machine being formulated by our Engineer and soon we will be buying leaves from farmers within UAA and out.
    Its my hope every Aloe Vera farmer will be a member of UAA which will help in sustainance of the supply.
    We have rich information from many government institutions which we are working in conjuction with and soon Aloe Vera farmers will have something to smile about.
    Seedlings is not a big issue, we in UAA have enough seedlings to sell to anyone willing propagate.
    Get to us on how to get them and also more information on what Aloe Barba Densis Mill require for its survival.
    We have farms in Central, Eastern, Rift Valley and Nyanza.
    submit your request to tuctech@yahoo.com
    Joshua

  48. Joshua

    We have Aloe Vera Seedlings. Very Healthy strong and big. You are taken to the farm to where they are and you get more information on how to fight its diseases and its propagation. You also get information on how to register your farm so as to get Aloe Vera Propagation permit. As a protected specie, the government regulates on its propagation and keeps its eyes open on the farmers so as to protect the indigenous ones from extinction. This we do as information sharing for free.
    More from tuctech@yahoo.com

  49. Bwenyenye

    Hi Joshua,

    Sorry I was out of town over the weekend and could not make it to the meeting. What was the outcome of the meeting? I have also realised that I have encountered some disease on my farm that manifests itself as ‘ringworm type infection’ on the leaf. Has anyone encountered this? How id you deal with it?

  50. Joshua

    Hi Bwenyenye
    Thats Leaf rust.
    It can devastate your whole farm if early measures are not taken right now. Try foricar from agrovets immediately. I have some of my group members who had to start a fresh after leaf rust brought down all their plants down. Make sure you prevent it from spreading.
    If only the affected leaves are few just pluck them off and safe the lest of your farm. Its dangerous and hard to stem once it attacks many of your plants.
    The meeting was placed to a later date since many members were busy in permit acquiring and had to travel to their farms.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *