One good turn deserves another—an old saying that rings true for Albert Nyamari. A dedicated medical assistant in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Albert’s life took an unexpected turn when a simple act of kindness led him to a flourishing farm in the U.S.
A Gift of Land, A New Beginning
While working at a hospice, Albert cared for the ailing son of Ms. Marge Lorayne. Touched by his dedication, Marge offered him six acres of farmland in Wisconsin—a life-changing gift.
Before this, Albert had been renting farmland for KSh 21,000 per acre each season, primarily growing maize. But the high costs meant little profit. With Marge’s generous offer, he abandoned the rented land and focused on cultivating his new farm, just 110 kilometers from his home.
To help him get started, Marge even hired a tractor for initial land preparation. Today, she continues to oversee the farm in his absence, ensuring it thrives while Albert balances his medical career.
A Thriving Business Rooted in Culture
“When I planted the vegetables, many white people flocked to the farm to take pictures,” Albert recalls, amused by the curiosity surrounding his crops.
During the week, Albert works as a medical assistant, visiting up to 25 patients. But come the weekend, he and his team drive to the farm, tending to a variety of crops, including tomatoes, kales (sukuma wiki), cabbages, spinach, dhania (cilantro), red pepper, black nightshade (osuga), and cowpeas (kunde).
On a one-acre plot, he grows vegetables, while a separate five-acre section is dedicated to maize. The maize is a staple for Kenyans who use it for ugali, and any surplus is sold to cattle farmers, as maize meal isn’t commonly consumed by Americans.
With food prices significantly higher in the U.S., Albert has found a lucrative market. Three tomatoes sell for KSh 80, compared to KSh 10–20 in Kenya. His farm-fresh produce attracts Kenyan customers who prefer buying from him before he sells to other nationalities.
Unlike office workers who pay heavy taxes, Albert benefits from direct farm sales, meaning his income remains untaxed. He even delivers orders to customers who provide addresses, offering a personal touch to his business.
Winning Over a New Market
At first, many Americans were unfamiliar with his vegetables. But once they tasted his produce, they were hooked. “They got enthralled by the food,” he says with pride.
Marge, too, has embraced the new flavors. “I never knew about these greens before. I’m so happy to have met this couple,” she says of Albert and his wife, Sarah, an accountant.
A Cautionary Tale for Aspiring Immigrants
Despite his success, Albert warns Kenyans dreaming of moving to the U.S. that it’s not always the land of opportunity they imagine.
“The economic downturn has made life here tough. Jobs are scarce, expenses are high, and many families struggle to put food on the table,” he explains. Unlike common misconceptions, not everyone finds financial success in America—many immigrants end up in low-paying jobs, barely making ends meet.
For students hoping to study abroad, he urges caution. “Some schools don’t allow students to work, which can make life incredibly difficult for those without financial support from home.” Falling out of student visa status can lead to deportation, as U.S. immigration laws are strictly enforced.
A Dream of Growth
Despite the challenges, Albert remains committed to his farm. His dream? To expand his business, move closer to the land, and build a lasting legacy—one leaf at a time.
“My blood is always at the farm,” he says with a smile, knowing he has turned an act of kindness into an opportunity of a lifetime.
