By Nelson Mandela.
After spending decades shaping the futures of students as a high school principal, Robert Nakitare made a life-altering decision, to swap lesson plans for planting rows, and trade the school bell for the crow of a rooster. Today, he’s not just a retiree; he’s a thriving agripreneur who’s proving that life after retirement can be even more fulfilling with the right mindset.
In a compelling visit to his expansive farm in Kenya, Nakitare opens up about his post-retirement journey, a story that not only showcases the power of reinvention but also highlights the untapped potential of agriculture in Africa. For Nakitare, retirement wasn’t about slowing down. It was about transformation. Having observed the importance of food security throughout his life, he saw farming as a natural continuation of service to his community. “Agriculture,” he says, “is the future. It's where real wealth and sustainability lie.” Determined to walk the talk, he invested in agribusiness, focusing on crops and livestock that not only perform well in Kenya’s climate but also promise good returns.
His farm is a living ecosystem of opportunity. Nakitare grows Hass avocados,Macademia, dragon fruit and Wambugu apples, fruit varieties that are increasingly gaining traction in both local and export markets. Alongside these high-value crops, he keeps bees, dairy cows, poultry, and other livestock, creating a balanced and sustainable model. He shares how diversification has helped spread risk, improve cash flow, and build a resilient farming business. “You can’t depend on one venture,” he notes. “One arm supports the other.”
Despite the scale of his operations, Nakitare runs the farm with the precision and discipline of a seasoned educator. He maintains records, observes proper animal husbandry practices, and leverages both local knowledge and modern techniques to stay efficient. His hands-on approach, coupled with a willingness to learn, has kept him ahead in a sector that often challenges even the most experienced farmers.
Like many Kenyan farmers, Nakitare faces challenges, unpredictable weather, fluctuating market prices, and access to inputs. Yet, his optimism remains unwavering. He views each setback as a lesson and believes that support systems, training, and a collective shift in mindset can uplift smallholder farmers across the country.
Perhaps his most powerful message is one of empowerment. To the youth, he offers this advice: “The land can liberate you. Stop chasing office jobs alone. Agriculture is dignified work.” To retirees like himself, he adds, “Don’t sit idle. We still have energy and wisdom. Let’s use it to feed our communities and shape the future.”
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