Farming in Kenya is a mix of hard work, innovation, and passion. Whether you’re cultivating maize in Uasin Gishu, planting coffee in Kericho, or tending to sukuma wiki in Nairobi’s outskirts, having the right tools can make all the difference.
Let’s dive into some handy, practical tools that can better your farming experience, save you time, and maybe even make you enjoy the process more.
1. Lice Drills
Let’s start with lice drills. Don’t let the name throw you off as these aren’t about pest control. Lice drills are compact handheld tools perfect for drilling holes in wood or metal. Imagine you’re setting up a greenhouse or a chicken coop; you need precision to screw things together.
A lice drill can handle this job easily and make your work look professional. They’re lightweight, which means you can use them for hours without your hand going numb.
2. Lawnmowers
If you’re managing a farm that doubles as a homestead, a lawnmower is your best friend. Whether you’re keeping your compound neat or trimming grass for silage, a lawnmower saves you time and energy.
And let’s not forget, using one is oddly satisfying! These machines are built to last, with petrol-powered options being particularly popular for their ability to tackle uneven terrains and thick grass without losing power.
Plus, a well-maintained lawnmower ensures your farm always looks presentable while keeping weeds under control.
3. Angle Grinders
An angle grinder might just be the most versatile tool in your arsenal.
These compact machines can cut, grind, and polish. Let’s say you’re repairing a plow or building a fence around your farm. An angle grinder can easily cut through metal pipes, wires, or even stubborn bolts.
Plus, with the right attachment, you can sharpen tools like pangas and hoes.
4. Knapsack Sprayers
A knapsack sprayer is one of those tools you can’t do without if you’re growing crops like tomatoes, potatoes, or even bananas. Whether you’re applying pesticides, herbicides, or liquid fertilizers, this simple tool gets the job done well.
Modern knapsack sprayers even come with motorized options, saving you from the back-and-forth pumping. They’re affordable and widely available in local hardwares and online stores.
5. Wheelbarrows
Nothing screams “essential” quite like a wheelbarrow. It’s a simple tool, but its value is immeasurable. Whether you’re ferrying manure to your shamba, carrying harvested maize, or transporting water, a sturdy wheelbarrow is indispensable.
For farmers in hilly areas like Kericho or Meru, choose one with pneumatic wheels as it handles rough terrains better.
6. Chain Saws
If you’re dealing with trees, whether for timber, firewood, or land clearing, a chainsaw is a lifesaver. No more spending days chopping with an axe and exhausting yourself. Modern chainsaws are fast and surprisingly easy to use once you get the hang of them.
They come in various sizes and power levels, so you can choose one that matches your needs, whether you’re trimming branches, felling trees, or cutting logs into manageable pieces.
Chainsaws also save time and reduce physical strain, making them invaluable for farmers who need to manage woodlots or prepare land for planting.
With proper safety gear and maintenance, chainsaws are a long-lasting and versatile tool for your farm.
7. Brush Cutters
For farmers dealing with overgrown grass, weeds, or thick bushes, a brush cutter is a must-have tool. Unlike traditional slashers or pangas, a brush cutter gets the job done quickly and with minimal effort.
It’s perfect for clearing pathways, preparing land for planting, or maintaining a tidy compound around your homestead.
Modern brush cutters come with interchangeable blades, allowing you to tackle everything from soft grass to stubborn thickets.
Their ergonomic design and powerful motors make them easy to use even on uneven terrains, ensuring no part of your farm is left untouched.
8. Jembes, Pangas and Slashers
No matter how advanced technology gets, traditional tools like jembes, pangas, and slashers remain indispensable on any Kenyan farm.
A good jembe (hoe) is perfect for digging, tilling, and weeding—tasks that require precision and flexibility, especially in smaller shambas or when tending to crops like sukuma wiki or beans.
Pangas, on the other hand, are the ultimate multitaskers. From cutting fodder for livestock to trimming shrubs or harvesting bananas, a sharp panga is a farmer’s everyday companion.
For larger areas with overgrown grass, slashers come in handy, offering an affordable, manual alternative for clearing fields.
What makes these tools so good is their simplicity and durability. They require no fuel or electricity and are easy to repair if damaged. Plus, their affordability ensures that every farmer, regardless of scale, can own a reliable set.
Keep them sharp and well-maintained, and they’ll serve you for years.
Where to Get These Tools
Ready to upgrade your farming game? You can find all these tools and more at My Agrovet Kenya. From lice drills and lawnmowers to angle grinders, they have everything you need to simplify your farming journey.
My Agrovet Kenya makes it easy to access the tools that work as hard as you do.
