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From manual to mechanised: Affordable mini tiller revolutionises smallholder farming in Kenya
Mbarak Omar of Shifa Chem Limited demonstrates the operations of a Walking Tiller during the 2025 Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Nairobi International Trade Fair, held at Jamhuri Park showground on October 3, 2025.
At this year’s Nairobi International Trade Fair, organised by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK), one display drew the attention of small-scale farmers seeking affordable mechanisation solutions.
Amid the vibrant stalls and bustling crowds at the Jamhuri Grounds, Nairobi, stood Brian Mutabe, a representative from Shifa Chem Limited, a company based in Mombasa that is introducing a game-changing innovation to Kenya’s agricultural sector.
The mini tiller, also known as a walking tractor, is a hand operated plough.
Mr Mutabe, the company’s technical officer, showcased the machine, describing it as a modern yet simple solution aimed at transforming smallholder farming.
“We come to the show every year to display our range of hand ploughs, but the new mini tiller won the visitors’ hearts at the 2025 Nairobi ASK, especially the smallholder farmers,” he explained to the Seeds of Gold.
Mbarak Omar of Shifa Chem Limited demonstrates the operations of a Walking Tiller during the 2025 Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Nairobi International Trade Fair, held at Jamhuri Park showground on October 3, 2025.
The tractor is mainly designed for small-scale farmers who cannot afford the bigger and more expensive machines.
The mini tiller is a compact, diesel-operated machine retailing at Sh200,000, making it significantly cheaper than conventional tractors.
It is tailor-made for Kenya’s small farms, where most farmers cultivate less than five acres.
“It comes with three pairs of blades — the deep-tilling blade, the standard-tilling blade, and the ridger,” said Mutabe.
In an interview, he noted that one can also mount a plough and a ditcher on the rear side.
According to him, this versatile setup allows farmers to perform several operations with one machine — from land preparation to furrow making and ridging.
“Apart from cultivation, it can make furrows for planting, and it can also ridge your farm after crops have germinated,” he explained.
The mini tiller is powered by a 12-horsepower diesel engine, which is strong enough to handle tough soil conditions while remaining fuel-efficient.
He revealed that it only consumes about four litres of diesel per acre, which is far cheaper compared to larger machines.
“It helps farmers save on the cost of production,” he said.
For farmers seeking even more convenience, the technician stated that Shifa Chem offers an optional trailer that can be attached to the tiller for transporting fertilisers, harvested produce, or other farm materials.
However, the trailer is sold separately at a cost of Sh75,000. Therefore, when combined with the machine, the total cost is Sh275,000, Mr Mutabe said.
Despite its modest size, the mini tiller’s impact is proving far from small. As Mutabe explained, the innovation emerged from an understanding of the challenges faced by farmers.
“Our customers told us that hiring bigger tractors is too expensive. The existing hand ploughs in the market are also heavy and energy-draining,” he said. “We decided to go with this model because it is lightweight, cost-effective, and allows farmers to work at their own pace.”
He emphasised that many smallholder farmers have long depended on manual labour, which is not only time-consuming but also physically exhausting.
The mini tiller offers a middle ground—efficient, affordable, and easy to use. “You don’t need to wait for someone to come and till your farm,” Mutabe said, adding that, “You can wake up, plan your day, and prepare one or two acres at your own convenience.”
In terms of operation, the machine is designed for simplicity. After starting the diesel engine, the operator can engage any of the blade sets depending on the task—deep tilling for breaking hard soils, standard tilling for general cultivation, and ridging for creating planting mounds.
Mbarak Omar of Shifa Chem Limited demonstrates the operations of a Walking Tiller during the 2025 Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Nairobi International Trade Fair, held at Jamhuri Park showground on October 3, 2025.
Mutabe explained that land preparation comes first, then furrowing as the second step.
The innovation could not have come at a better time. Kenya, like many other African countries, is struggling with food insecurity and overreliance on imported food.
Mechanisation, precision agriculture and adoption of innovative modern technologies such as the Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been identified as key interventions to boost local production and reduce post-harvest losses.
However, for decades, the high cost of machinery has locked out smallholder farmers, who produce more than 70 percent of the country’s food.
Mutabe believes that affordable technologies like the mini tiller can help reverse this trend. “This technology is relevant and important because it gives smallholder farmers a chance to mechanise their farms without breaking the bank,” he says.
“It will help address issues of food security and hunger in the country by making production easier and faster.”
According to Mutabe, the mini tiller has been well received in various parts of the country.
“The uptake has been quite good. Out of ten, I would give it a seven. I have been to shows in Mombasa, Machakos, and other counties, and many farmers have shown interest. We have sold many units across the country, and the demand keeps growing.”
He attributes the success to Shifa Chem’s commitment to listening to farmers and providing solutions that meet their unique needs.
He noted that many of the company’s customers tell them how the mini tiller has changed the way they farm. They can now prepare their land faster, plant on time, and even do follow-up tasks like weeding and ridging efficiently.
“We train farmers on how to operate and maintain the equipment,” Mutabe said, adding that it is important for them to understand how to use the blades properly and take care of the engine to prolong its life.
He believes that technologies like the mini tiller represent the future of farming in Kenya—a future where even the smallest farmers can harness the power of machines to increase yields, save time, and ultimately improve their livelihoods.
We are moving toward a time when no farmer should struggle with manual tools, he stated, observing that mechanisation is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for sustainable farming.
As smallholder farmers embrace innovations, Kenya’s agricultural landscape is steadily transforming—one acre, and one hand plough, at a time.
