Farming meets rugby: Mwamba RFC's Xavier Kipng'etich's story
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 01.03.25. | 07:28
His journey into agriculture was deeply influenced by his upbringing and academic background
Kenya’s agricultural sector is the backbone of the economy, contributing 20-25% of the GDP and employing almost half of the total population.
According to available data, over 40% of Kenya's total population is employed in the agricultural sector, meaning farming is the primary source of income for a significant portion of the Kenyan workforce.
This translates to more than 70% of the rural population being employed in agriculture.
With a growing population of approximately 55 million and an increasing food demand, the need for sustainable farming solutions has never been more pressing.
It is within this context that Mwamba RFC’s Xavier Kipng’etich is committed to making an impact beyond the rugby pitch. The former U20 star is also using farming as both a means of sustenance and a long-term career.
Kipng’etich, who plies his trade for Mwamba RFC, is not just known for his prowess on the rugby field but also for his dedication on the farm.
When he is not tackling opponents on the pitch, he is tending to his crops on his farm in Mogogosiek Bomet County.
But how did it start?
His journey into agriculture was deeply influenced by his upbringing and academic background.
“I grew up on the farm and studied agribusiness at the University of Nairobi, Upper Kabete campus. When COVID-19 struck, I moved home fully, and that’s how I got into full-time farming,” he shared with Mozzart Sport.
Kipng’etich specializes in growing cabbages, capsicum, and passion fruit.
However, farming comes with its challenges, including unpredictable rainfall and high costs of farm inputs.
To mitigate these issues, he has invested in irrigation systems, including rain gun irrigation, rain hose, and drip line irrigation.
Despite the financial demands of farming, Kipng’etich remains committed to both his agricultural and rugby careers.
“Farm inputs are very expensive, but I just work with it. Farming helps me fund my rugby dream because I buy new kits and also have good food to help in recovery,” he explained.
His weekly routine is a balancing act between the two passions.
“I train on Wednesday and Thursday, play over the weekend, then travel home on Sunday after the game and return to Nairobi on Tuesday.”
Interestingly, his farming business has been supported significantly by his rugby network.
“Most of my customers are rugby players. They are the ones who helped kickstart my farming by buying fruits like strawberries, passion fruit, and tamarillos that I used to sell,” he noted.
While many athletes view farming as a retirement plan, Kipng’etich sees it differently.
“Farming is not a retirement plan; it is a capital-intensive career that requires a steady cash flow. It also needs you to be hands-on, otherwise, you are bound to make losses," he continues.
The Maseno High School alumnus draws inspiration from rugby legends who have ventured into farming.
“If I could invite rugby legends to my farm, I would invite Collins Injera, Lavin Asego, Tito Oduk, and Oscar Osir. They are into farming, and every time we meet, they tell me they love what I’m doing,” he offered.
His club rugby journey began at Impala RFC during the 2014 season before he moved to Quins during the COVID-disrupted 2020/21 season.
He later returned to Impala, helping them regain Kenya Cup status before eventually joining Mwamba RFC.
Initially, he had planned to quit rugby after last season, but Mwamba RFC’s coach, Mark Mshila, convinced him to return and help the team navigate a challenging 2024/25 season.
