Paul Mwanza Ndisya is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Palma Mukuyuni Tree Nursery, a commercial agricultural enterprise he established in Makueni County, Kenya, in 2016. He oversees the strategic direction of the business, driving its mission to promote climate-smart tree farming and restore degraded landscapes. Under his leadership, the nursery has evolved from a small local supplier into a thriving commercial venture and an educational hub for farmer groups across Kenya.
Prior to entering the agricultural sector, Mr Ndisya spent his early career in Nairobi, working within the information technology and hospitality industries. Relocating to rural Makueni County in 2014, he transitioned into agriculture. Despite limited initial horticultural experience, he successfully navigated early operational challenges, such as poor soil management and market saturation from overproducing a single timber species. He utilised these lessons to pivot the business towards a highly diverse portfolio of fruit and indigenous trees.
Today, Mr Ndisya is highly regarded for his expertise in seedling health, sustainable farming practices, and market diversification. He is recognised as a champion farmer by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research and the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry. He actively trains other nursery operators, sharing his knowledge to improve regional climate resilience.
Organisation
Palma Mukuyuni Tree Nursery operates within the agricultural and forestry sectors, specialising in climate-resilient horticulture and agroforestry. Headquartered in Okia, Kenya, the enterprise cultivates a diverse variety of tree seedlings, focusing on high-value export-grade fruit trees such as Hass avocados, grafted mangoes, and pixie oranges. While its footprint is primarily domestic, the nursery participates in international agricultural frameworks. It is a recognised partner in the Fruit Trees for Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in East Africa project, providing a scalable model for sustainable farming in regions experiencing severe water scarcity.
Areas of Focus
- Climate-smart agriculture and sustainable farming practices in arid regions.
- Cultivation of export-grade fruit varieties to support global agricultural supply chains.
- Market diversification and the strategic management of commercial tree nurseries.
- Cross-border agricultural partnerships and international frameworks for climate adaptation.
At the Forum
At the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum, Mr Ndisya aims to engage with senior leaders and policymakers to discuss supply chain resilience and export growth. His objective is to explore cross-border partnerships, share insights on climate-smart farming models, and advocate for the foundational tier of global agricultural supply chains, highlighting how sustainable practices support international food security.
