Powering Africa’s Farms Through Access, Innovation, and Community

Lumelu is an online marketplace that connects farmers in Kenya to rent, buy, or sell agricultural machinery and equipment. Our platform makes it easy for farmers to access affordable tools and maximize their productivity.

Any farmer, agricultural cooperative, agri-entrepreneur, or equipment owner in Kenya can use Lumelu. Our platform is designed for both smallholder and large-scale farmers.

Lumelu currently operates in Kenya, with plans to expand across East Africa in the future.

You can rent or buy a wide range of agricultural equipment, from large machinery like tractors and harvesters to smaller tools such as plows, seeders, and irrigation systems. The platform also offers second-hand materials like spare parts, fertilizers, and other farm inputs.

We use secure technology and strict privacy policies to protect your personal information. To ensure the security of both parties and prevent theft, we have implemented several robust safety measures:

• Account Creation & Verification: Users must sign up using their phone numbers, and we require ID verification (driver’s license, passport, or National ID) for added security.

• OTP SMS Authentication: During equipment collection and drop-off, renters and owners receive an OTP (One-Time Password) via SMS. This ensures that only verified users can access the equipment. (PIN Confirmation for Handover)

• User Ratings & Reviews: To maintain trust and transparency, all users (both renters and owners) are rated based on their marketplace activity. This ensures a reliable community where accountability is maintained.

Register your interest to be part of the first to get access to the Lumelu marketplace. Once the marketplace is live, you will be able to browse through available listings, select the equipment you need and book it at your convenience. 

We implement a review and rating system, allowing renters to rate equipment and provide feedback after use. Equipment owners are encouraged to maintain their machines in top condition to receive positive reviews and repeat business.

If you would like to be a buyer, register here to be part of the first group to be able to purchase pre-owned farming materials. The platform allows users to browse listings of pre-owned farming materials, including tools, machinery, and spare parts. Buyers can purchase directly through the platform, with secure payment options available.

If equipment is damaged during the rental period, the platform has a system in place for resolving such issues, which may include damage fees or insurance depending on the terms set by the equipment owner. Ensure you review the terms before renting.

Transport options depend on the agreement between the renter and the owner. You can either arrange pickup yourself or choose delivery, with costs and logistics negotiated directly between parties.

After signing up for Lumelu and completing the KYC process you will be able to list your equipment or pre-owned materials. Equipment providers who want to sell or rent out their equipment, can sign in to the platform, upload photos, set pricing, and provide a detailed description of the item’s condition and availability.

We support various payment methods, including mobile money platforms like M-Pesa, debit/credit cards, and bank transfers, to ensure secure and seamless transactions between users. Installment payment options are available for select transactions.

Local agents are trusted members of your community who help farmers understand and use the Lumelu platform, especially in areas with limited digital access. Local agents are stationed at hot spots with high foot traffic in your community such as shopping centers or markets, or public transportation hubs. 

Create an account with Lumelu and apply to the Local Agents Program on our website. (link here - to register your interest)

You can still use Lumelu through our local agents, who can manage your account and transactions on your behalf. 

We welcome partnerships from  agricultural cooperatives, NGOs, financial institutions, technology providers, and government agencies, interested in improving agricultural productivity and mechanization across Kenya and East Africa.

Interested organizations can reach out via our contact form or email. After an initial discussion to understand objectives and synergies, we move towards defining partnership goals, scope, and responsibilities, followed by formal agreements.

We collaborate with financial institutions and service providers to enable credit, leasing, or insurance products integrated into our platform, improving farmers’ access to affordable mechanization finance.