FAQ
Questions farmers ask us
Getting started
What does the first visit cost?
Nothing. The first conversation is a walk around your farm to understand what you grow or keep and what is going wrong. No cost, no commitment.
Where in Kenya do you work?
We are based in Nairobi (Industrial Area) and work with farms across Kenya. Remote monitoring means support does not depend on distance; site visits are scheduled as needed.
Do I have to install everything at once?
No. Start with one block, one greenhouse or one shed and add more once you have seen it work. Most farms start with one area and grow from there.
I already have irrigation. Do you replace it?
No. We automate what is already there — the main, laterals, tank and filter are reused. Nothing working gets torn out.
What farming environments do you cover?
Greenhouses, open fields, semi-open shade and net houses, and hydroponics — plus livestock, poultry, fish and storage as those areas roll out.
Paying for it
How much does it cost?
Equipment and installation are quoted per farm, because no two farms need the same thing. The software is a subscription (Starter, Professional or Enterprise).
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Systems can be bought outright, leased for a fixed monthly payment, or paid for by PAYGo — a small deposit and flexible M-Pesa instalments until the system is yours.
What happens on PAYGo if I miss a payment?
Each payment keeps the system unlocked for the time it covers. If a payment is late the system pauses until you top up — nothing is lost, and your data stays on your account.
Is maintenance included?
Leasing includes maintenance and replacement of faulty equipment. Purchases carry a warranty. All plans include remote monitoring of the equipment.
The technology
Do the sensors need electricity on site?
Field sensors run on solar panels and batteries — no trenching, no cables across the farm. Controllers and valves run on low-voltage DC, from solar or mains.
What if there is no network on the farm?
A weather mast or farm gateway brings its own 4G connection and shares it with the field devices over Wi-Fi. A device out of range can report through a neighbouring one, and readings are stored and sent when the link returns.
Do I need a smartphone app?
No. The dashboard works in any browser on a phone or computer — no app store, no installs.
Can you update devices without visiting?
Yes. Devices receive firmware updates remotely, so improvements do not need a site visit.
Who owns my data?
You do. Everything is sent encrypted and stored against your account. Nothing is shared unless you switch sharing on.
What is the Farm Assistant?
An AI assistant on this site that answers farming questions — crops, soil, water, pests, livestock, greenhouses and more. It only discusses farming and related topics. Inside the SmartFarmer dashboard, the assistant can also read your own farm’s data.
Mapping & services
Do I need sensors installed to get a soil map?
No. NPK, pH, EC and other mapping services stand on their own and are quoted per farm by size.
How often should a farm be re-mapped?
Every few seasons for nutrients and pH, every season on borehole-irrigated farms for salinity, and every two to four years for soil health.
Do you provide drone services?
Monitoring, sprayer and ground inspection drones are in rollout. Talk to us about being an early site.
Start with a walk around your farm.
The first conversation is a site visit: we walk the farm with you and understand what you grow or keep and what is going wrong. No cost, no commitment. Buy outright, lease, or pay as you go by M-Pesa.