Charlene Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto, has emphasized her father’s involvement in chicken farming. Speaking at the United Nations Summit of the Future Action Day in New York on Sunday, Charlene highlighted the significance of agriculture in Kenya.
“My father is a chicken farmer, and my mother has a green thumb; she’s excellent with flowers and maintains impressive kitchen gardens,” she shared. “I’m a beekeeper myself. Beekeeping introduced me to agriculture, teaching me about pollination, and I now sell honey as a business.”
Charlene, the founder of SMACHS Foundation, stated that her experience in the agricultural sector inspired her to create the organization. SMACHS stands for Smart Mechanized Agriculture and Climate Action for Humanity Sustainability. She encouraged young people to explore agricultural opportunities and invited delegates to visit Kenya to experience its rich tourism offerings, including the unique sight of swimming lions.
President Ruto runs a farming enterprise in Sugoi, Uasin Gishu County, where he manages Yegen Farm, a large-scale poultry operation. In 2023, Ruto disclosed that the First Lady, Rachel Ruto, imported 5,000 chickens from India to enhance their poultry business. Yegen Farm operates one of Kenya’s largest commercial hatcheries and has partnerships with international players such as IndBro, a leading poultry research and breeding firm in India.
Through these collaborations, Yegen Farm utilizes advanced technology and best practices in its operations, contributing to the growth of Kenya’s poultry industry.