How Mazao Na Afya Group Is Driving Sustainable Agriculture Through Innovation, Partnerships, And Farmer Empowerment

The team from NCBA Bank, led by NCBA Kenya Managing Director, Mr. James Gossip, toured Central Kenya, and one of the entrepreneurs they visited was Mazao Na Afya Group.

Since its founding in 1997 by Dr. Peter Karanja, Mazao Na Afya Group has grown from a modest farmer-support initiative into one of the most influential agribusiness groups in Kenya.

Driven by Dr. Karanja’s passion as a former agricultural extension officer, the group has stayed true to its mission of empowering farmers while embracing innovation and partnerships that promote food security across the country.

Over the past 27 years, Mazao Na Afya has expanded into a network of companies that serve farmers at different points of the agricultural value chain. These include Mazao Na Afya Limited, specializing in agrovet chemicals and inputs distribution; Agitech Seedlings Limited, which supplies bulk seedlings to farmers; and the Agitech Grand Expo, an annual event that convenes agriculture stakeholders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the future of farming.

Other subsidiaries, such as Agri-Price Centre Ltd, focus on agrovet products distribution, while Mazao Na Afya Sacco Ltd provides financial services to members, giving farmers and agro-dealers access to credit and savings solutions that fuel growth.

The group’s footprint spans several key agricultural zones, including Mwea, Ruiru, Loitoktok, Malindi, and Bura. To widen its reach even further, the group leverages technology through the Mtolori Mobile App, a digital platform that connects farmers to services, market information, and input suppliers. This blend of physical presence and digital innovation has positioned Mazao Na Afya as a trusted partner for farmers who are eager to modernize their practices.

A significant enabler of the group’s success has been its partnership with NCBA Bank, which provides tailor-made financial solutions to support operations across distribution, events, and farmer programs. With NCBA’s backing, Mazao Na Afya has been able to ensure the timely availability of quality farm inputs, expand its logistics and event hosting capabilities, and strengthen the financial services offered through its SACCO. The collaboration has enhanced the group’s ability to meet its promise of delivering accessible, affordable, and reliable agricultural support.

The NCBA Kenya leadership team, led by James Gossip, Managing Director, NCBA Kenya , paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Peter Karanja, founder of Mazao na Afya Group/Agitech, a valued retail customer. #NCBATwendeMbele #Goforit #Agitech pic.twitter.com/trZRMHqNos

— NCBA Bank (@NCBABankKenya) September 18, 2025

Dr. Karanja notes that Mazao Na Afya’s work goes beyond just supplying inputs—it is about building resilience in the farming community. “Our goal has always been to empower farmers with the tools, knowledge, and financial support they need to thrive. With strong partnerships and innovations like the Mtolori App, we are ensuring that farmers remain at the heart of Kenya’s food security,” he said.

As climate change, fluctuating markets, and food security challenges continue to impact agriculture, Mazao Na Afya Group stands out as a model of how farmer-focused initiatives, backed by strong financial institutions like NCBA, can deliver sustainable solutions. By linking inputs, finance, technology, and capacity-building, the group is helping transform farming in the Mt. Kenya region and beyond.

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