Francis Karanja: When Science Meets People, Resilience Grows

With years of experience spanning pest and disease management, field production and business management, Francis has built his reputation as a consultant who delivers precise agronomic solutions while unlocking the collaborative spirit that sustains horticulture businesses.

“For many, horticulture is about plants,” Francis says. “For me, it has always been about connections between roots and microbes, health and plant, light and growth, strategy and operations, and most importantly, between people.”

Precision in Pest and Disease Management

At the heart of Francis’s consultancy is his recognized strength in pests, diseases and weed management, a challenge that continues to define profitability for growers worldwide. His approach integrates science-based diagnostics, greenhouse production, and strategic interventions, ensuring long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes.

Growers across diverse regions in Kenya and the greater East African region value his ability to assess complex problems, design site-specific strategies, and implement solutions that are both resilient, sustainable and scalable. “The most effective pest and disease management isn’t just technical, it requires foresight, training, collaboration and continuous evaluation,” he explains.

Advisory Leadership with Rexion Ltd

Through Rexion Ltd, Francis has expanded his advisory footprint to include not just crop health management but also crop production, operational strategy, and sector innovation. His projects range from supporting commercial growers with advanced greenhouse systems to outdoor production of both fresh produce, cereals, maize, fruit trees, coffee, legumes (peas, beans, and soybeans), and other field crops, pioneering agriculture-crop production developments that link farming with food security and sustainable living models.

He also places significant focus on capacity building, equipping managers, growers, and investors with knowledge that bridges scientific expertise with the commercial realities of agribusiness. This, Francis believes, is what empowers operations to thrive in today’s volatile markets.

Human Expertise in the AI Era

While digital platforms and AI tools are reshaping agriculture, Francis cautions against over-reliance. “I love AI for its administrative, precise and organizational functions,” he notes, “but people-to-people connection remains the only way to provide empathy, complex judgment, and trustworthy guidance.”

AI has a special place in agriculture, especially in solving complex problems, predicting patterns and offering precise guides to growers to ensure competent and efficient production. We can discuss this at a later date,” he quips.

Cultivating Beyond Crops

Francis’s vision aligns with a broader philosophy: that agriculture is about cultivating and growing people as much as plants. He often quotes Japanese farmer Masanobu Fukuoka: “The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”

With several consultancy projects lined up, Francis Karanja and Rexion Ltd are now positioned to take on new clients seeking not only technical expertise but also leadership grounded in collaboration and long-term resilience. For agribusiness leaders navigating today’s challenges, from pest and disease pressures to strategic farm development, Francis represents a rare combination: a consultant who leads with both science and humanity.