Kenyan agri-tech company's land leasing model helps farmers unlock commercial value

A Kenyan agribusiness, Cinch, is transforming smallholder farming by leasing idle land, consolidating it into larger commercial farms, and managing operations on behalf of farmers. The model has boosted rural incomes, created jobs, and attracted global recognition.

Founded six years ago by Alexander Vancuchin and Richard Gadwa, Cinch was in August named among five East African enterprises awarded a Ksh.85.6 million grant by TRANSFORM—an accelerator supported by Unilever, the UK Government, and EY—for its innovative approach to agribusiness.

Under its model, Cinch leases land from smallholders and pays them monthly rent while covering all investment costs, including irrigation systems, boreholes, tractors, and agronomy services. Farmers also benefit from employment opportunities on the farms.

“If you and five of your neighbours each have an acre, we lease all six and operate it as a single commercial farm,” explained Vancuchin. “This reduces costs and risks for farmers while guaranteeing them steady income.”

The company has so far partnered with nearly 200 farmers in Nyeri, Laikipia, Nakuru, and Narok.

Many who previously earned Ksh.60,000–Ksh.80,000 per acre annually have seen incomes rise significantly through high-value crops such as broccoli, snow peas, coriander seed, and ginger, which enjoy robust export markets.

Cinch also supplies fresh produce to multinational buyers including KFC, Unilever, and Bayer.

Beyond improving productivity, Cinch employs more than 1,000 workers on its farms and provides them with private health insurance. Half of its workforce are women, reflecting its inclusive growth strategy.

“Rather than simply training farmers or buying their crops, we directly manage their land,” said Vancuchin. “This approach has proved more sustainable in raising yields and incomes.”

Despite its success, the company faces challenges familiar to agribusinesses in Kenya, including climate change, erratic rainfall, and liquidity pressures caused by delayed payments from buyers.

Vancuchin said Cinch mitigates risks by experimenting with new crops and diversifying production.

The Ksh.85.6 million TRANSFORM grant will enable the firm to expand into the Taita-Taveta corridor, focusing on maize seed multiplication for large-scale distribution, while also working with Unilever to explore new crops such as onions and spices.

Development partners say Cinch’s model demonstrates how innovation can strengthen food systems.

“By combining resources, expertise, and innovative approaches, we have the opportunity to create real impact for local communities and the environment,” said Ed Barnett, the UK’s Deputy High Commissioner.

Unilever East Africa Managing Director Luck Ochieng said Cinch’s work has tripled farmer incomes while creating jobs.

“These are the kinds of innovations that strengthen our value chain and make it more future-ready,” he said.

EY, which has supported over 140 enterprise projects across 19 countries, added that Cinch is revolutionising smallholder farming by turning fragmented plots into productive units.

Alongside the grant, Cinch will also benefit from technical assistance and coaching from EY to strengthen its operational and financial capacity.

As Cinch scales its operations, partners hope its model can inspire wider adoption across Africa, unlocking sustainable growth for smallholder farmers while building resilient supply chains.