Renowned apple seller and agripreneur Catherine Wambugu is recovering in hospital after surviving a tragic road accident that occurred on Tuesday night along the Nyeri–Nyahururu Road.
The accident claimed the lives of two people who were travelling with her, leaving their families, friends, and the wider community in deep mourning.
According to early reports, the crash happened at night under circumstances that are still under investigation by traffic police. The vehicle Catherine was using was involved in a serious collision that left it badly damaged.
Good Samaritans and emergency responders rushed to the scene and helped rescue the survivors before they were taken to hospital.
Catherine Wambugu sustained injuries but was fortunate to survive the impact. Medical officers have confirmed that her condition is stable, although she remains under close medical observation.
The two people who lost their lives were close associates who worked with Wambugu. Their sudden deaths have caused deep grief, with many people describing them as hardworking and dedicated individuals.
Messages of condolence have continued to pour in from across the country, with many Kenyans praying for Catherine’s quick recovery and sending strength to the bereaved families.
Catherine Wambugu is widely known in Kenya and beyond for popularising the Wambugu apple, a fruit that has transformed apple farming across the country.
Through years of persistence and innovation, she encouraged small-scale farmers to grow apples even in areas once believed to be unsuitable for the crop. Her work has helped many families earn a living and inspired young people to venture into agribusiness.
Even as she recovers from the tragic accident, the impact of her work continues to be felt beyond Kenya’s borders.
In Jamaica, the Wambugu apple is now being successfully grown following an initiative led by Latoya Panton, an organic farmer and ambassador of the fruit.
The apple variety, which originated in Kenya, has adapted well to Jamaica’s tropical climate despite initial challenges such as delayed import permits and losses of seedlings.
In 2022, approval was finally granted, allowing healthy seedlings to be shipped to Jamaica. Today, farmers in areas such as St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Manchester, and St Catherine are cultivating the apple trees.
The Wambugu apple tree is known for its long lifespan of up to 100 years, low water needs, and high yields. Within five years, a single tree can produce up to 500 apples.
Early harvests in Jamaica have shown promising results, with farmers praising the apple’s sweet taste and crisp texture. Agricultural experts are now studying the fruit to assess its commercial potential.
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