Trained as an ECD teacher, Shicco Waweru never stepped in a class room.
The mother of one got married soon after and concentrated on her family life before joining her husband in business.
After trying her hand in several different business which did not take off she started Limavest, a company that farms and sells pineapples in Malindi.
“Having been a stay home mum for almost seven years, I felt it was about time I do something that generates income. I also did not want to loose my time for family. I’ve had an interest in pineapple farming due to the longevity of the plant as it is harvested for at least seven years without requiring much effort. When I spoke to my husband about it, he bought 100 acres (in Malindi),” noted Ms Waweru.
She partnered with other stay-home mums who had the same interest to start farming.
“At first, I used to think Malindi is only a tourist destination. I love the beach and any opportunity I get to walk on sand, I take it. I could have never imagined that there was a place in the world where I could watch my food grow and be on the beach within one hour. So when I found I could grow pineapples in Malindi, it was a no brainer,” she adds.
She used her networks to get good market for the produce, and soon the company expanded and she was now even selling land and planting pineapples for clients who would collect profits for seven years non-stop.
“We have a system that collects payments and generates receipt so all you need to do is call us and provide your details which we use to create an account in our system, make your payment and you will be on your journey to being your own boss,” she says.
She says the investment generates around Sh200,000 per acre on every harvest, for at least seven seasons, while seasons come after 9 months.
Pineapples, once planted will take 18 months to give you your first harvest.
From the same plant you will harvest yearly up to seven years without re-planting. Harvest includes the pineapple fruit per plant, and at least two suckers (seedlings).
