Co-founders Soinato Leboo and Priscillah Wanjira built Rhea to regenerate Kenya’s farmlands through accessible soil testing and personalised agronomic support.
In Kenya, over 80% of agricultural land is managed by smallholder farmers. Yet, many of these farmers face a persistent decline in yields due to poor soil fertility, unreliable agrarian information, and years of unsustainable farming practices. As climate change intensifies, the need for efficient, data-backed farming solutions has become more urgent.
One startup working to address these challenges is Rhea, a soil health management company co-founded by Soinato Leboo and Priscillah Wanjira. Established in 2022, the company aims to regenerate Kenya’s farmlands through accessible soil testing and personalised agronomic support, helping farmers shift from guesswork to precision.
A Ground-Up Approach to Innovation
Leboo and Wanjira launched Rhea after observing the struggles faced by farmers in their communities, particularly the lack of actionable data about soil conditions. Their solution leverages science and technology to offer low-cost soil diagnostics, fertility mapping, and tailored nutrient recommendations. Rhea has since worked with tens of thousands of farmers, providing them with real-time insights into their soil’s health. The startup reports 95% accuracy in its soil reports and continues refining its diagnostic models.
According to the company, many of the farmers they serve had previously applied fertilisers and other inputs blindly, often leading to poor results and financial loss. Farmers can cut unnecessary costs and improve their harvest outcomes with access to Rhea’s services.
“I struggled with getting timely soil analysis on my farm. When I met Rhea, they conducted the test and gave me results and recommendations immediately. It helped me plant on time,” Shammah Chakwizira, a Kenyan farmer.
Beyond individual farms, Rhea’s model is part of a larger push toward climate-smart agriculture in East Africa. The company promotes regenerative farming and more responsible fertiliser use to boost resilience against climate-related disruptions.
In 2024, Rhea secured a $150,000 investment through Village Capital, supported by Standard Chartered Bank’s Women in Tech Financing Facility. The funding is being used to expand operations, enhance the company’s data infrastructure, and reach more rural communities.
Rhea is changing farming culture
Education remains a central pillar of Rhea’s mission. Through farmer outreach programs and community training sessions, the company aims to shift mindsets around soil management from reactive, short-term solutions to long-term soil stewardship.
As Kenya and other African nations confront rising food insecurity and unpredictable weather patterns, startups like Rhea are experimenting with new models for sustainable growth. At the forefront of this work are Soinato Leboo and Priscillah Wanjira, who continue to lead efforts to scale soil-based solutions and support farmers in adapting to an evolving agricultural system.
