How one young farmer cultivated a new vision on campus grounds

By Irene Nasimiyu

Just a stone’s throw away from the bustling gates of Kibabii University, where dreams of degrees and future careers are nurtured, lies an unexpected oasis of green. What was once intended to house students has undergone a remarkable transformation one that now embodies sustainability, innovation, and community learning.

Meet Denis Namasaka Waliaula, a Civil Engineer by profession from Tuuti Marakaru Ward in Kanduyi Sub-County, Bungoma County. Originally, Denis invested in building hostels to serve the growing student population of nearby institutions. The idea was sound Kibabii University was expanding, and the demand for student accommodation was rising. Investors from all corners acquired land for hostel development, leading to stiff competition in the area.

But as the market dynamics shifted and hostel businesses became saturated, Denis found himself drawn toward a different calling, sustainable agriculture.

“I realized that while there was still a demand for student housing, my heart was increasingly drawn toward the potential of the land,” Denis explains, smiling as he gestures toward rows of flourishing crops. “I began experimenting with small-scale farming alongside the hostels. The more I learned, the more I knew this was my true path.”

The transition wasn’t easy. Re-purposing buildings designed for students into agricultural hubs demanded both ingenuity and investment. Old hostel rooms were converted into incubation tanks for fingerlings, and open grounds were transformed into well-managed fish ponds, stocked with tilapia and catfish. Communal spaces once meant for student gatherings now thrive as urban vegetable gardens, boasting everything from leafy greens to exotic dragon fruit.

Today, Dewal’s Farm—named after Denis’s initials—is a thriving ecosystem where every part supports the other. The nutrient-rich water from fish ponds is used to irrigate crops, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. It’s a brilliant model of integrated farming that reflects a deep commitment to sustainability.

What makes Dewal’s Farm truly exceptional is its evolving relationship with the academic community it was originally meant to serve. The farm has become a living classroom, attracting students from Kibabii University, Bungoma National Polytechnic, and other institutions for agricultural attachments and hands-on training.

“Dewal’s has created a fantastic learning environment for our students,” says Mr. Sirengo, Head of the Agricultural Department at Bungoma National Polytechnic. “Students get to experience agriculture beyond the textbook right in the field.”

One such student, Wami Ruth from Likuyani Sub-county, reflects on how the training has reshaped her understanding of agriculture:

“Back home, I always wondered why we couldn’t grow vegetables consistently. Now I know that with urban gardening, it’s possible to farm all year round. I believe I’ll make our home food secure after this.”

Beyond students, Dewal’s Farm regularly opens its gates to local farmers, hosting workshops and demonstrations that cover everything from pest control to efficient irrigation. Denis is passionate about empowering others, especially young people, to see agriculture not just as a survival activity but as a viable and profitable career path.

“Agriculture holds immense potential,” Denis says with conviction. “By embracing innovation and sustainable methods, we can achieve food security and economic empowerment. I hope this farm serves as a living example of what’s possible.”

The story of Denis Namasaka Waliaula is one of adaptability, vision, and deep-rooted passion for the land. From engineering student hostels to cultivating a vibrant agricultural hub, Denis has redefined not only his own path but also the landscape of Bungoma County. Dewal’s Farm stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when innovation meets dedication.

What was once dormant is now teeming with life, learning, and limitless potential a rich harvest of a dream reimagined.