After 34 years of devoted service as chief gardener at the German Embassy in Nairobi, Hesbon Imbwaka has stepped into retirement, but not in the way many might have expected. Instead of a fleet of luxury cars, he chose a flock of chickens.
On Friday, August 29, German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth announced on social media that Imbwaka had opted for poultry as his retirement gift, setting the stage for his next chapter as a small-scale farmer.
“Hey guys – I noticed that you followed the retirement of our Chief gardener Hesbon, with big interest. Today was his very last day. Wanted to hand him over the 68 German machines. He opted for some chicken instead to start off a poultry farm. That is the real Luhya spirit,” Groth posted, playfully referencing earlier online banter about Imbwaka’s farewell package.
The light-hearted joke about “68 German machines” stemmed from Groth’s earlier tongue-in-cheek claim that Imbwaka would receive one Mercedes-Benz and one BMW for each year of his service. The remark ignited a wave of curiosity on social media, with Kenyans humorously speculating about what the longtime employee would actually take home.
When the truth emerged, chickens instead of luxury cars, it underscored Imbwaka’s humility and practical outlook. Rather than embrace symbols of wealth, he chose a gift aligned with his cultural roots and future plans. For many Kenyans, the move reflected not just financial wisdom, but also the embodiment of a Luhya tradition where poultry holds both social and economic significance.
Imbwaka’s retirement also highlighted the softer side of Ambassador Groth, whose witty and approachable social media presence has endeared him to many. Known for his humor and easy rapport with Kenyans, Groth framed the farewell with warmth and respect, honoring Imbwaka’s decades of service.
