A Kenyan man working on a farm in the United Kingdom has pulled back the curtain on what seasonal agricultural work actually looks like, sharing a candid TikTok video of himself harvesting turnips in a muddy field.
The video, posted by @romanomunene has drawn attention for its refreshing honesty about the kind of labour many Kenyans quietly take on when they relocate abroad.
What the Job Actually Involves
Munene explained that workers on the farm are expected to pick and cut a minimum of eight crates of turnips every hour. Any output beyond that threshold earns a bonus, giving workers a financial incentive to push harder. He also took a moment to highlight the nutritional value of the crop itself, noting that turnips carry many health benefits and can even be eaten raw in salads.
He added a touch of humour when addressing family members back home who make last-minute financial requests.
“This is the work we do to get you that KSh 2k you ask for urgently,” he said cheekily, drawing a laugh while also making a pointed observation about the effort behind every remittance.
A Degree Holder With a Shovel
What sets Munene’s story apart is his academic background. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and Finance, having graduated in 2021, and he was clear that farm work does not reflect a lack of education.
For him, the work is simply a practical route to earning abroad. He encouraged young Kenyans interested in similar opportunities to pursue short agricultural courses, noting that the technical preparation opens more doors than many people realise.
He also pointed to a formal agreement between the Kenyan and UK governments that gives TVET students access to six-month internship placements in the United Kingdom.
How Kenyans Reacted
Munene’s video resonated partly because it strips away the polished version of life abroad that dominates social media, replacing it with something far more grounded: a graduate, knee-deep in a British field, working steadily and urging those back home to prepare themselves properly before making the same leap.
The video sparked a lively conversation online, with viewers sharing their own experiences and advice.
@Bona Tonya:
“Hii kazi ni mzuri, 4 million in 6 months”
@miss mbaabu:
“In Kenya school of agriculture we offer the course for six months, and you get an opportunity to go to the UK”
@pearlKECA:
“Mkuje sasa Canada kuna kazi na wanaitaji watu but don’t use agent mtulize sisi tulifika aje saizi agents wamekua wezi na hawakusaidi”
