When you think of Tharaka Nithi, what comes to mind? I used to think of it as a dry and scorching hot place with very little greenery. I assumed that the people there probably didn’t grow crops that require a lot of water, so they likely focused on drought-resistant crops like cassava and sorghum. However, when I visited, I was surprised to find that things were quite different. It wasn’t the Tharaka Nithi I had expected at all. To my amazement, they were growing tomatoes, bananas, and sukuma wiki, which all require a significant amount of water to thrive. Additionally, they were growing a lot of okra, which is a medicinal plant known for its ability to lower high blood pressure. People in Tharaka Nithi had even commercialized the cultivation of okra, which impressed me greatly. In my hometown of Nyamira, we only grow okra for domestic use, but seeing the profit potential, I’m considering convincing my mother to venture into this business as well. One thing that remained true to my expectations was the intense heat. Despite the challenging environment, the people of Tharaka Nithi have found ways to adapt and thrive. Many farms use sprinkler irrigation to support the growth of these water-intensive crops. This experience taught me that we always can find solutions to our challenges, even if we don’t see them immediately. Keep searching, and you’ll find a way.