Ruth Jumba, an agronomist from Rhea Healthy Soil, with a mobile
instant soil testing device /AGATHA NGOTHO Farmers across Kenya no longer have to wait for weeks to know the health of their soils. A new mobile soil testing device, introduced by Rhea Healthy Soil, makes it possible to get instant soil analysis and recommendations at the nearest agro-vet shop.
The innovation is currently being showcased at the Nairobi International Trade Fair at Jamhuri Grounds.
Farmers can now test their soils and receive instant results, thanks to the innovative mobile soil testing device. Agronomist Ruth Jumba said the device is leased to agrodealers and freelance agronomists, allowing farmers to conveniently access soil testing services close to home.
“We are a soil analysis company. We analyse the soil to identify the nutrients present, as well as pathogens and diseases. Based on the results, we then give farmers the right recommendations,” she said.
The company currently offers three types of soil tests including basic soil test, which is the most popular among farmers, comprehensive soil test, which includes analysis of minor nutrients, and the microbial or pathology soil test which checks for soil-borne diseases.
For the basic soil test, Rhea Healthy Soil has developed a locally made device in collaboration with Kenyan soil scientists. “We have calibrated it against laboratory results from wet chemistry and found it to be accurate. By giving these devices to agrodealers, we cut down the long waiting periods farmers usually face when sending samples to the lab,” Jumba said.
Instead of waiting for weeks, farmers can now take soil samples to their local agro-vet and receive results and recommendations within minutes.
The model works through a partnership with agrodealers. Farmers book tests through the system, agrodealers conduct the tests, and earn a commission on each soil test. “We sign contracts, brand the agro-vets, and train farmers to know that these are our agents and ambassadors in their area,” Jumba said.
The device is leased to the agro-vets and freelance agronomists at Sh15,000 per year, while farmers pay per test at Sh2,000 for the basic soil test, Sh6,500 for the comprehensive test, and Sh5,200 for the pathology test.
The basic test measures NPK levels, pH, electrical conductivity, soil moisture, and temperature. Comprehensive and microbial tests are conducted in the lab, including irrigation water testing.
Currently, the company is working with agrodealers in Nairobi, Murang’a, Kajiado, Naivasha, Busia, and Siaya counties, with plans to expand.
The gadget is portable, with enough battery power to conduct several tests in the field over multiple days. Its operation is simple: a sensor is dipped into the soil, a payment code is entered, and data is transmitted to Rhea’s system. The integrated AI then generates an instant report with clear recommendations for the farmer.
“With this gadget, farmers no longer have to guess. They can get reliable soil results within minutes at their nearest agro-vet,” Jumba said, urging farmers to prioritize soil testing before investing in seeds, ploughing, or fertilizers. “Always consider soil testing for a healthy soil and a healthy future.”
She likens soil testing to medical diagnosis: “When you are sick, you go for a blood test before treatment. Farmers should treat their soil the same way. Instead of applying random fertilizers, test the soil to know exactly what is deficient and apply nutrients accordingly,” said Jumba.
More information on the device is available at www.rhea.africa
