As night settles over Tezo, a coastal town in Kenya, locals gather beneath the coconut palms along the shore. In this grove, the air fills with the scent of fresh palm wine—known locally as mnazi—as people share stories, exchange news, and engage in lively conversations. These nightly gatherings are deeply embedded in the cultural rhythm of Kenya’s coast.
The bond between communities and the coconut palm extends far beyond Tezo. Across Africa, the tree is vital to daily life. Its fruit, sap, and fibres support livelihoods, nourish families, and uphold longstanding traditions.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), around 10 million households in Sub-Saharan Africa depend on coconut-based livelihoods, underscoring the tree’s dual role as a cultural symbol and a crucial economic resource.
Ronnie Ngetsa, a 45-year-old entrepreneur and coconut farmer from Tezo, has built a thriving palm wine business from cultivating coconut trees. He supplies seedlings across the coast, helping sustain agricultural practices rooted in the region’s heritage. His inspiration came from his father, who began the work in 1963.
“I grew up seeing them doing the business of palm wine, makuti, and coconut fruits,” Ngetsa recalled in an interview with the bird story agency.
Ngetsa began coconut farming in 2010 and eventually expanded into mnazi production.
“I remember my grandfathers and uncles couldn’t go to a ceremony without palm wine. Even my sister’s marriage couldn’t happen without the other side bringing it,” he said. “I picked it up from there and saw it’s a drink loved by many, and I knew I could benefit from it.”
The process of collecting palm wine begins early in the morning and continues in the evening. Experienced tappers climb tall coconut trunks—usually barefoot—to extract the sap.
“I get a minimum of twenty bottles in the morning, and the number slightly reduces in the evening due to the high temperatures. In rainy seasons, the tree produces up to forty to forty-five bottles in one tapping,” said Anderson Charo Chiwai, a tapper.
To encourage sap flow, the tapper gently scrapes part of the flower stalk and secures it with linen, placing a container below to collect the dripping liquid throughout the day.
If harvested early, the fresh sap begins to ferment by evening, producing mnazi, a mildly alcoholic drink. Most tappers leave it overnight to deepen its flavour.
“I return later in the day to repeat the cut, which stimulates additional sap, and the cycle continues. So, in total, we climb the tree three times a day,” Chiwai added.
Beyond farming, Ngetsa owns and operates pubs known as mangwes, which double as community hubs and sources of employment.
“Today, I have eight mangwes spread out in Gede, Chumani, and Kilifi town, and three here in Tezo,” he said. “Through these, I’ve managed to employ more than 20 women who are now able to support their families. That’s something I’m really proud of.”
Gloria Pili Kahindi, who manages one of the pubs, spoke about the independence her work provides.
“I am able to provide for my children, pay my rent, and support my family. Many women in my community are discovering empowerment via this work,” she said.
Ngetsa’s commitment to the coconut sector also includes distributing quality seedlings. By supplying farmers locally and beyond, he supports reforestation and keeps traditional farming methods alive.
Environmentalist Lucky Kazungu from Ganze sub-county highlighted the broader impact of coconut planting.
“Coconut trees help prevent soil erosion, promote biodiversity, and act as a carbon sink,” he said. “By encouraging more planting beyond the coastal areas, we not only support farmers economically but also help tackle environmental challenges like land degradation and climate change.”
Still, Ngetsa’s journey has faced obstacles. The mnazi industry contends with regulatory hurdles and concerns over alcohol-related health issues. The demanding nature of sap tapping, combined with physical risks, deters many from the trade.
Erratic weather, especially extended droughts, can also drastically reduce sap output. And due to the informal nature of the business, many workers lack social protections like insurance or healthcare access.
Despite these difficulties, mnazi has notable nutritional value. It contains potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants and can aid digestion and boost energy when consumed in moderation.
Young farmer John Chome Kiponda entered the coconut industry by planting 10,000 seedlings for a private client. After fulfilling the contract and seeing its financial benefits, he launched his own venture with support from his father.
“2015 and 2016 were really tough for our family, we had loans and school fees to pay,” he recalled. “But starting with coconut planting helped us a lot, and that’s when I knew this was the business.”
Coconut tree farming continues to support sustainable agriculture and community resilience. The tree remains a vital link to heritage and a provider for future generations.
“I’m not just doing this for business,” Ngetsa said. “The tree is a part of who we are. If we care for it, it will continue to provide for future generations.”
Velma Pamela, bird story agency.
