Caption for the landscape image: Meet the pioneer farmer growing South American stevia in Taveta Saturday, January 10, 2026 Scroll down to read the article Joab Barasa (left) an agronomist and Peter Mtawa, a stevia farmer from Msengoni village Taveta town tending to Stevia plant on November 21, 2025. Photo credit: Richard Maosi | Nation Media Group By Richard Maosi Contributor Article Related The stevia plant is originally from South America and has long been used as a natural sweetener. Extract from its leaves serves as a zero-calorie substitute for table sugar and is used globally to enhance the flavour of coffee and tea. Double rewards from farmer growing wonder crop stevia Stevia stays in the seedbed for 30-40 days after which one can transplant to a well-tilled land whose soil is evenly drained. Stevia not so sweet to farmers’ pockets The quarter-acre farm in the middle of expansive tea estates in Kabianga, Kericho was once an envy of many. . Recommended for you PREMIUM Quickmart’s shares hit Sh35.6bn on NSE debut PREMIUM Co-op raises interim dividend 50 per cent as profit hits Sh27bn PREMIUM Mogo doubles bank borrowings to Sh1.6bn on Ecobank, I&M loans PREMIUM From hawking tea leaves to major industry heavyweight Login to join the discussion Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. In the headlines Elections News Counties Business Opinion Sports Life & Style Health Podcasts Photos Newsletters Puzzles Linda Mwananchi NDC will be a closed door affair, no media coverage The convention's venue will not be disclosed. PREMIUM School principal ordered to pay Sh1.2m for disclosing student's HIV status Teachers and administrators discussed the girl's health without consent. Tribunal clears way for Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi delegates conference The NCD is expected to endorse his presidential candidature.
Double rewards from farmer growing wonder crop stevia Stevia stays in the seedbed for 30-40 days after which one can transplant to a well-tilled land whose soil is evenly drained.
Stevia not so sweet to farmers’ pockets The quarter-acre farm in the middle of expansive tea estates in Kabianga, Kericho was once an envy of many.
Linda Mwananchi NDC will be a closed door affair, no media coverage The convention's venue will not be disclosed.
PREMIUM School principal ordered to pay Sh1.2m for disclosing student's HIV status Teachers and administrators discussed the girl's health without consent.
Tribunal clears way for Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi delegates conference The NCD is expected to endorse his presidential candidature.
