How Kenyan Student Makes KSh 2,000 Per Hour Picking Fruits in British Farms

A Kenyan agriculture student has described how a six-month placement on a farm in the United Kingdom has given her financial independence, practical experience and a broader view of future opportunities.

Grace, who studies at Nyandarua National Polytechnic, secured a place on the programme after recruitment agencies visited her college to identify students for seasonal farm work in the UK. The initiative offers agriculture students from Kenyan institutions the opportunity to work on British farms for six months before returning to continue their studies.

Grace said the placement has had a lasting impact on her, both financially and personally. Alongside earning an income, she said the experience has expanded her perspective and encouraged her to consider new opportunities for the future.

During the peak strawberry harvest, workers typically complete shifts lasting between 10 and 12 hours. They earn about £12.71 an hour, equivalent to around KSh 2,270, which is considerably higher than the income most students can expect to earn in Kenya. 

Accommodation is provided on the farms at a cost of £77 a week, or about KSh 13,800, with utility bills included. The combination of comparatively high wages and controlled living costs has allowed Grace to build meaningful savings, which she plans to invest in the future.

Grace also highlighted the cultural benefits of the programme. She said workers are able to travel and visit different parts of the UK on their days off, giving them the chance to experience new places and cultures alongside their work.

She encouraged other agriculture students to remain committed to their studies, saying that enrolment at recognised agricultural institutions can lead to opportunities such as the UK placement programme. According to Grace, recruitment agencies regularly visit colleges, and students who prepare well and perform strongly during interviews have the best chance of being selected.

After completing the six-month contracts, participants return to Kenya to continue their education or invest their earnings in business ventures. Grace said the programme provides valuable farming experience while helping students strengthen their financial position.