Prices last verified: September 2026 by Charles Okello, BSc Horticulture, Hortitechno Produce and Services.
Greenhouse farming for youth in Kenya plays an important role today providing an ideal solution for one of the major challenges of unemployment that youths face in Kenya. Youth empowerment is a dynamic and evolving process which can be achieved by providing knowledge, resources and opportunities to the youth which enable them engage in modern agricultural farming. Hortitechno greenhouses company offers the best advices on greenhouse farming for youth in Kenya. You can can reach us through our contacts below.
Table of Contents
What is Greenhouse farming?
Greenhouse farming is the method of growing plants i.e. vegetables fruits or flowers in a controlled environment usually in greenhouses. A greenhouse is a structure made of wood or steel and covered with a 200 micron UV treated clear polyethene sheet usually yellow – green in colour that allows light to pass while trapping heat inside and protects plants from harsh weather conditions. The leading company in greenhouse construction in Kenya is Hortitechno and we offer quality materials for greenhouses at affordable prices.
The Importance of Greenhouse Farming for Youth in Kenya
Skill development: Youths in Kenya can acquire modern farming techniques,marketing skills and problem solving abilities through propor training.
Sustainable Income: Greenhouse farming for youth in Kenya enables them to have financial independence reducing the rate of relying on informal jobs.
Innovation: Greenhouse farming for youths in Kenya enable them to adopt modern farming practices in greenhouse settings such as automated irrigation, hydroponics, aeroponics and aquaponics which increase crop yields.
Leadership skills: Involving youths in decision making help them develop skills that can benefit them in managing their future business for greenhouse farming for youths in kenya.
Social benefits: Greenhouse farming for youths in Kenya encourage the youths to form farming cooporatives which improve their market access and resources.
Types of Greenhouses in Kenya
There are two main greenhouse structures commonly constructed in Kenya; wooden and metallic greenhouses. Wooden greenhouses have frames made from woods which are popular with small scale farmers because they are relatively cheap and are suitable for greenhouse farming for youth in Kenya projects while metallic greenhouses frames made from metals either steel or aluminium are good for large scale farmers. The metal frames can either be galvanized or painted depending on the farmers preference. The prices of these greenhouses vary because of the the different sizes and material used in putting up the structures.
Prices and Sizes of greenhouses in Kenya
| Sizes | Metallic Greenhouse | Wooden Greenhouse | Plant capacity | Days of Construction | Estimated revenue |
| 8M x 15M | Ksh 220,000 | Ksh135,000 | 500 – 600 | 4 | 455000 |
| 8M x 24M | Ksh 280,000 | Ksh 180,00 | 700 – 800 | 4 | 637,000 |
| 8M x 30M | Ksh 358,000 | Ksh 228,000 | 1000 – 1200 | 5 | 910,000 |
| 16M x 30M | Ksh 680,000 | Ksh 440, 000 | 2000 – 2400 | 7 | 1,820,000 |
| 24M x 30M | Ksh 920, 000 | Ksh 580, 000 | 3000 – 3600 | 10 | 2,730,000 |
Our prices at Hortitechno normaly include drip irrigation, installation, training of a farm hand, expert agronomist support, seeds and soil testing. The farmer can choose the seeds and the construction of a greenhouse can take four to seven days under good weather.
Crops suitable for greenhouse farming
Plants that can be grown in greenhouses include:
Tomatoes, Onions, Kales, Cucumbers, Peppers, Letttuce, Spinach, Eggplants, grapes, Melons, strawberries, roses, and mushrooms.
Greenhouses for youth beginners
The most suitable greenhouse farming for youth in Kenya set up is small scale farming because it is easy to start it up and requires a small budget and space. A small size wooden greenhouse 8m x 15m is affordable and easy to install. The greenhouses are made from untreated timber and bluegum which makes them cheaper and they can last upto 6 years.
Why greenhouse farming for youths in Kenya?
Greenhouse farming for youth in Kenya provides environment where factors such as temperetature,humidity and light can be regulated leading to better growth and higher yields.
Greenhouse farming minimizes the effect of pests, diseases and harsh weather making the crops grow healthier.
Greenhouse allows extended growing seasons unlike open field which often have specific growing seasons.
Drip irrigation system in greenhouse farming reduce water wastage making it a more efficient method.
Greenhouse farming for youth in Kenya allows for modern farming practices such as hydroponics
Youths can maximize their productivity even on smaller pieces of land.
Challenges in Greenhouse farming for youths in Kenya
- High initial cost for setting up a greenhouse. Setting up a greenhouse requires equipment, seeds and other inputs which may not be affordable for the youth.
- Limited access. Young people lack access to affordable land due to affordable issues or high costs of leasing or purchasing land.
- Lack of technical knowledge and adequate training in greenhouse management, pest control, irrigation systems and market dynamics.
- Young people struggle to find reliable markets for their produce.
- Youth face challenges obtaining loans or financial support due to lack of collateral, guarantor or unfavorable loan terms.
- Lack of awareness on opportunities and benefits of greenhouse farming.
Strategies for empowering youth through greenhouse farming in Kenya
Greenhouse farming for youth in Kenya requires a comprehensive approach that includes organizing workshops on modern farming and pest control, providing practical training in partnership with agricultural extension organizations, and pairing youth farmers with experienced mentors for guidance.
Collaborating with NGOs to support youth farmers and starting campaigns to create awareness about the potential of greenhouse farming are also crucial in greenhouse farming for youth in Kenya. Additionally, providing low-interest loans for greenhouse construction, establishing digital platforms where youth can sell their produce directly to buyers, and introducing mobile apps to educate and connect young farmers are effective strategies to drive youth engagement and success in greenhouse farming.
Conclusion
Greenhouse farming for youths in Kenya has the potential to transform youths by bridging gaps in funding, awareness, and technical knowlede. By equipping young people with the tools, resources, and knowledge to succeed, stakeholders can inspire a new wave of agripreneurs who will drive innovation, enhance food security, and contribute significantly to the nation’s economic progress. At, Hortitechno we offer the best advice and training for the youth in Kenya with interest in greenhouse farming.
Further reading: the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development publish crop, greenhouse and irrigation guidelines for Kenyan farmers.
