Born and brought up in othaya sub county, Nyeri county. Mr. Simon Kihungu completed his Primary and Secondary School education successfully. In 2003, he joined JKUAT where he pursued BSC in horticulture degree course and graduated in 2007 then joined Bayer East Africa Ltd immediately after completing his undergraduate studies. Upon joining Bayer East Africa Ltd, he started as a product promoter in charge of Nyeri, Laikipia East and the central parts of Murang’a. He then moved to Coast as the area sales representative for the region and one year later joined the floriculture sector. He speaks to Floriculture Magazine on his daily challenges
Briefly discuss the challenges you go through daily? What would you point out as your strongest attribute that has made you succeed?
Just like any other job, there are common challenges that do occur in the line of duty. However, with the support from my company and good relationship and support from my clients, together we succeed.
In your experience, discuss some of the challenges flower growers are facing?
Currently growers face unpredictable trend in the market, Adverse weather conditions favouring rapid development of diseases, Restriction on pesticide usage by specific markets leaving farmers with limited choices of pesticides, Emergence of some difficult to eliminate pests like thrips, Incidences of Crown gall which is caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
How do you rise up to the greatest challenge that your job presents?
First is to understand myself, my customers and the industry. Secondly, I try to be flexible always which has enabled me to adapt into different situations.
Point out the solutions Bayer EA Ltd has for the flower sector?
Bayer East Africa has wide range pesticides that are used in the management of most insects’ pests and diseases that affect the production of flowers in kenya. These products are IPM compatible.
To mention, we have the following solutions to these challenges that affect growing.
- Impulse and Luna tranquillity for Powdery mildew management.
- Alliete flash, Previcur energy, infinito, Verita and Melody duo for downy mildew management.
- Luna tranquillity, Scala and Teldor for Botrytis management.
- Velum prime the new innovation for nematodes management.
- Confidor WG 70 for thrips management. The product also offers ‘stress shield effect’ to the crop.
- Belt for Caterpillars
What is the role of the agrochemical sector to the development of the flower Sector?
In growing, insect pests and diseases invasion can become a limiting factor. To manage these pests we need an integrated approach where various methods of controlling them are employed. These measures include Biological, Cultural, Mechanical and use of chemicals. Therefore the use of chemicals forms an integral part of IPM
How do you see Bayer EA Ltd contributing to the future of the flower sector?
Bayer East Africa is introducing new innovations into the flower sector which will help in the pesticides resistance management. Beside the products, the company is well represented at farm levels which helps in the dissemination of information and enhance sharing of the product knowledge with the end users. As Abhishek Ratna said, “Information is the key to success, anywhere and everywhere. Right information matters the most. This applies to your work place too.”
The staffs on the ground also educate the chemical handlers on safe use and effective handling of pesticides which has a direct impact on the protection and safety of the handlers and the environment.
Growing up, who was your inspiration?
I was greatly inspired by my elder brother who also taught me Physics and mathematics in high school.
What decisions have you made in your career that looking back you feel were mistakes and you learned from them?
I have never had such a case and I hope things will continue running smoothly and successfully.
Describe your ordinary day? Do you have enough personal time?
Alexis Carrel Said, “The most efficient way to live reasonably is by making a plan of one’s day every morning and examine the results obtained every night.” Then Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
Time management and proper planning is very important if one is hoping to achieve his/her daily, weekly, monthly or annual goals. I wake up every morning with predetermined goals/targets and with proper planning and management of time; I close my day business having accomplished my goals. This also gives me enough personal time and family time as well.
What legacy do you want to leave behind in the Flower sector?
I expect to give my best to all the stakeholders in the Floriculture sector and be one of those who will help the industry move to greater heights.
Give your final comments
Starting today, create a vision for yourself, your life, and your career. It’s good to bounce back from adversity and create what you want, rebuild and rebrand. Always tell yourself it’s possible along the way, have and maintain patience with yourself during the process.