What does your company do, and what kind of service do you offer?

Mlango Farm is an organic vegetable farm in a small village near Limuru. We grow and sell organic vegetables, employing 80 local workers. This not only provides jobs close to home, saving people from traveling to Nairobi, but also helps support the local economy.
Our farm is also an educational hub, welcoming visitors to learn about organic farming, environmental sustainability, and practical solutions for their homes. Schools, in particular, benefit from our programs, reconnecting children with nature and helping them understand where their food comes from. Most kids and even adults from Nairobi have never seen a farm, so they learn about crops, animals, and sustainable practices.
We sell our vegetables directly to kitchens in Nairobi—hotels, restaurants, and individual households—through a weekly basket subscription. By focusing on local supply, we promote the "eat local, eat fresh" philosophy.

What inspired you to start your business in Kenya?

My late husband, Kamande, was the driving force behind Mlango Farm. We met in the Netherlands and decided to move back to Kenya 17 years ago. The farm was on his family land, which had been neglected. With just a few suitcases, we started building the farm from scratch.
Though Kamande passed away a year and a half ago, I decided to continue this journey. The farm represents years of hard work and community impact; something far too special to let go of.

What have you learned from Kenyan entrepreneurs and the local business culture that has changed your approach compared to the Netherlands?

I learned a lot from Kamande about entrepreneurship and cultural differences. Coming from a Dutch background, I thought we needed a solid business plan before starting anything. Kamande, however, had a more action-oriented approach; he believed in starting immediately, learning by doing, and figuring things out along the way.

In what ways has your business contributed to local development and addressed challenges in Kenya?

Job creation is our most significant contribution. Many of our employees come to us without formal education or prior experience. We offer them an opportunity to learn and grow on the job, fostering a sense of pride and confidence.
We also invest in CSR initiatives, assisting with community needs like hospital bills and school fees. However, our main focus remains empowering people through employment and training. Many of our employees move on to better opportunities after working with us, which is both challenging and rewarding.

What advice would you give to Dutch entrepreneurs considering starting a business in Kenya?

Find trustworthy Kenyan partners. The cultural differences can be significant, and having someone local who understands the nuances of doing business in Kenya is invaluable. I was fortunate to have Kamande guide me, and now I work closely with a Kenyan colleague who ensures we stay aligned with local practices.

Finish this sentence: “If I could tell every young entrepreneur one thing, it would be…”

Just do it. Start small and build gradually. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect—learn as you go. Many businesses fail because they aim too big too soon. Begin with a manageable scale and grow from there.