BY FILEX MURIITHI
On a calm morning near Thiba Dam in Kirinyaga County, a quiet revolution is unfolding. In a small, neatly designed compound, 27-year-old Richard Muchiri is redefining what it means to farm—transforming his home into a living exhibition of creativity, sustainability and hope.
Once a county government employee, Muchiri walked away from the comfort of a salaried job four years ago to pursue what many considered an eccentric dream: creative and regenerative agriculture.
Today, that decision is paying off, one innovative idea at a time.
“The job wasn’t fulfilling because it didn’t challenge me intellectually. I like working with things that make me think and allow me to experiment,” Muchiri says.
At first glance, his compound feels more like an art gallery than a conventional farm. Visitors are welcomed by raised vegetable beds creatively shaped like a sofa seat—an unusual but practical design that blends beauty with function.
“This design beautifies my compound and makes it easy to harvest vegetables even when I come home late,” he explains. But beyond aesthetics lies a deeper purpose.
Muchiri’s farm follows the principles of regenerative agriculture, a system that restores soil health while promoting sustainable food production. His most ingenious creation is what he calls a “living raised bed.”
Instead of using timber or metal, he weaves the beds using twigs from Lantana Camara—an invasive plant species that has long plagued farms and forests in the region.
“These beds don’t rot or attract termites. The Lantana twigs actually grow roots, making the structure stronger over time,” he explains.
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By turning an environmental nuisance into a valuable farming material, Muchiri is contributing to the control of Lantana while offering a sustainable alternative to costly construction materials.
Agronomist Royd Mwaniki says Muchiri’s approach reflects the future of small-scale farming.
“What Richard Muchiri is doing is a perfect example of regenerative agriculture in practice—protecting the soil, maximizing space, and integrating ecology with innovation. Such models are especially important for young farmers facing limited land and climate pressure,” Mwaniki says.
The raised beds, standing about five feet off the ground, protect crops from free-range chickens and other domestic animals.
Each bed is layered with compost, heavily mulched to conserve moisture, and never tilled—an approach that preserves soil structure and biodiversity.
Muchiri relies solely on organic pesticides and is planning to introduce vermiculture, or earthworm farming, to further enrich his soil while creating an additional income stream.
“Next year, I’ll rotate vegetables with butternuts, carrots and sweet potatoes,” he says. “I also plant creepers around the beds to make full use of the space.”
Beyond farming, Muchiri is also a trainer and mentor. On weekends, he offers hands-on training to local farmers at a modest fee of Sh1,000, sharing practical skills on creative farm design and sustainable practices.
He also constructs raised beds for clients, with costs depending on size and materials.
But perhaps his greatest impact lies in inspiring young people. A landscaping artist and youth counsellor, Muchiri uses his farm as a living classroom to challenge the perception that agriculture is a last resort.
His work is now drawing attention beyond his village, with more farmers visiting to learn how creativity can transform farming into a profitable and fulfilling venture.
“Richard’s vegetables are very tasty and last longer, and I trust them because I know how he grows them. He doesn’t use harmful chemicals, so I feel confident that I’m giving my family healthy food,” said Jane Wambui, a vegetable customer.
As Kirinyaga County grow greener under his vision, Muchiri’s message remains simple yet powerful: agriculture can be both a science and an art, and sustainability does not have to come at the expense of beauty.
“Art is an experimental journey. And for me, the soil is my canvas,” he says.
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