From 50 to 1,000 Trees: How John Rumba Built a Profitable Apple Farm in Laikipia
The Farmers Trend team traveled to Ngarua in Laikipia County to visit Johns Apple Farm, one of the most promising apple farming ventures in Kenya today. The drive was long, but the moment we arrived, the orchard made the journey worth it. Hundreds of apple trees stretched across the farm, their branches bending under the weight of ripe fruits. At the center of the farm stood John Rumba, harvesting alongside his workers while a buyer loaded crates of fresh apples ready for the market.
This visit was more than a farm tour. It was a look into how one farmer transformed a small beginning into a profitable agribusiness.
Seven years ago, John planted 50 grafted apple seedlings. Today, Johns Apple Farm has expanded to more than 1,000 trees. The orchard grows multiple apple varieties including Anna, Wambugu, Pink Lady, and Golden Dorset. Each has its strengths. Wambugu apples are popular in Kenya due to their adaptability and crisp flavor. Anna apples have a strong local demand. Pink Lady and Golden Dorset fetch premium prices, especially among urban consumers in Nairobi. By combining these varieties, John reduces risk and meets different market demands.
John believes apple farming in Kenya is one of the most profitable ventures if managed well. A mature apple tree produces between 200 and 300 fruits each season. At an average farm gate price of KSh 20 per apple, the income from one tree easily surpasses many traditional crops. John once practiced dairy farming but switched focus after realizing the income from apples was more consistent and less labor-intensive. Dairy farming required daily costs for feed and constant labor, while apples, though requiring patience and planning, offered a steadier reward. Buyers often come directly to the farm, eliminating the stress of chasing markets.
Water management is at the heart of success at Johns Apple Farm. Laikipia’s dry climate makes irrigation essential. John installed a drip irrigation system that delivers water efficiently to each tree. He also built a reservoir to store rainwater, ensuring supply even during long dry spells. Without this investment, apple farming in Laikipia would not be possible.
John also works closely with an agronomist. Soil testing, pest monitoring, and fertilizer application are done with expert guidance. Instead of spraying chemicals blindly, he uses targeted advice to protect both the crop and the environment. Early detection of pests and diseases has saved him from major losses. His advice to new apple farmers in Kenya is clear: farming should not rely on guesswork. Data and expert support make the difference between losses and profits.
Seedlings are another key factor. All of John’s apple seedlings came from certified nurseries, grafted from high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties. He stresses that poor seedlings waste both money and years of effort. Since apple trees take three to five years to mature, starting with quality planting material is non-negotiable.
The orchard is well managed and shows John’s attention to detail. He practices intercropping with beans, which fix nitrogen into the soil and reduce fertilizer needs. The beans also act as ground cover to control weeds and conserve soil moisture. At harvest, they give John additional income. This smart intercropping approach keeps the orchard sustainable and profitable.
Beyond apples, John has planted 120 Hass avocado trees. They are four years old and beginning to produce. With the global demand for Hass avocados rising, John expects them to complement his apple sales in the near future. This diversification ensures he does not depend on one crop alone, reducing risks from fluctuating apple prices or weather shocks.
Orchard management practices are evident everywhere. Trees are pruned to allow air circulation and sunlight penetration, which reduces the spread of fungal diseases. Mulching helps conserve water and maintain soil fertility. John avoids excessive use of chemicals, preferring natural pest control methods. This has earned him loyal customers who prefer safe and clean fruits.
Johns Apple Farm also plays an important role in the community. The orchard employs 15 permanent workers and provides seasonal jobs during harvest. John also trains neighboring farmers, teaching them about irrigation, grafting, and orchard management. His mentorship is encouraging many young farmers in Laikipia to explore apple farming as a profitable alternative to maize or dairy.
Challenges still exist. Market fluctuations, transport logistics, and water shortages are ongoing concerns. To address these, John has joined a farmers’ cooperative that helps negotiate better prices and organize bulk transport. He is also exploring cold storage to extend the shelf life of his apples, allowing him to wait for favorable prices instead of selling immediately after harvest.
For aspiring apple farmers in Kenya, John offers straightforward advice. Start small, but do it right. Invest in high-quality seedlings, secure water supply, and work with experts. Apple farming requires patience because trees take years to mature. But once production begins, the returns are steady. He also stresses diversification, pointing to his avocados and beans as proof that multiple income streams reduce risk.
As our visit ended, John offered us a crate of freshly picked apples. They were crisp, juicy, and full of flavor. More than fruit, they represented years of careful planning, persistence, and smart farming choices.
Johns Apple Farm proves that apple farming in Kenya is not only possible but profitable when done with the right approach. With proper seedling selection, irrigation, expert advice, and market planning, farmers can turn a small orchard into a sustainable agribusiness. For those in Kenya looking for alternatives to traditional crops, apple farming offers a practical path to long-term success.
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