The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
A farmer collects withered maize stalks at his farm in Nthongoni Village, Makueni County on January 23, 2025. [Philip Muasya, Standard]
Nairobi had been hot till Sunday and everyone was suffering from strange colds and nasty coughs.
The nastiest cold is during the dry season. Rain will soak the dust but do more than that. It will bring down the cost of living. Food in addition to oil, drives inflation.
Rain also reminds us of the great cycle of life: seeds germinate, scorched earth turns green, flowers blossom, and our hearts too. Insects come to life, and exotic birds visit.
Domestic and wild animals rejoice - no fodder can rival grass! And their numbers go up, ensuring the great cycle of life.
The monotony of sunshine will end and clouds of different colours and shades will fill the skies. The roads will get muddy in the countryside and watery in the city.
Rain reminds us of our innocence. Who did not play in the rain as a child?
Rain has philosophical implications. Lately, I have been thinking about what I would do if I restarted my life all over again.
I have come to a strange conclusion - I would become a farmer. With rain, farming becomes a noble profession; way above law, medicine and teaching. Who does not bow to the farmer’s food every day? Is that not noble enough?
Medicine, law and teaching are noble because they deal with human beings. But I think dealing with crops and animals might be more exciting and fulfilling.
Crops will never revolt against you. They will follow instructions, more water and manure, more yield. Cows never 'refuse' with milk or goats with their meat.
And every day and year, you admire the splendour of nature, witnessing the great cycle of life; seasons, seedlings, calves, milking or harvesting. Every day is a wonder for the farmer.
That is not comparable with urban sprawls; noisy, crowded, everyone is a “problem.” Ever on red alert, not over Sabre-toothed tiger but fellow human beings.
Few want to accept that farming, despite lots of work is closer to nature and life than urbanites and their pride.
The farmer is self-reliant, hopeful and despite natural setbacks like drought, soldiers on with resilience and determination. He has multiple sources of livelihood - crops, animals and control over his life and destiny. And everyone bows to him for life.
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Maybe I am just romantic by dreaming of restarting my life as a farmer, hopefully with more technology. Would you join me?
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The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
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