David Wamai, a lawyer by profession, is the co-founder of Rhino Park Dairy, a business that he set up after losing his job.
He ventured into the dairy industry and over the years, he has helped local farmers increase their dairy produce.
For instance, Wamai and his partner partnered with a local dairy firm to come up with feeding alternatives to cut the cost of production.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Background
After losing his job, Wamai ventured into dairy farming as an escape plan, and years later, he has impacted the sector.
He partnered with Alex Gathii, a nutritionist, to establish Rhino Park Dairy.
The two also entered a partnership deal with a dairy firm dubbed, Tanolope Consulting, to come up with feeding alternatives.
This move was in their bid to cut down the cost of production to ensure higher milk production.
“We brought in biogas and started mixing our rations for the dairy meal because we were trying to put our overheads down,” Wamai said.
Wamai has eight lactating cows which produce 30-35 litres, with production peaks being the first 3-5 months.
The farmer further noted that the cows are milked thrice daily although it depends with the lactation stage.
He explained that a farmer should ensure that his cows’ feed and water are balanced, and the water should be as clean as possible.
Wamai explained that this way, the animals are comfortable with drinking water and thus producing more milk.
Gathii on the other hand insisted on hygiene, explaining that it keeps the animals healthy which is a contributing factor to higher milk production.
“Breeding is also very important; instead of having 100 herds of cows that are producing 10 litres each, you can keep your 20 cows that are producing 30 litres each and you will be in business,” he said.
Wamai also provides mineral supplements for their cows to prevent mineral deficiency that might cause conditions such as retained placenta.
While all his cows are registered under the Kenya Statistics Body, he uses ear notches to identify his cows.
“If one has a problem and the vet come when I’m not around, I can simply tell him Sydney is the one that requires your attention,” Wamai said.
He sells raw milk to individuals, institutions and corporates at a farm gate price of Ksh 75 – Ksh 80 per litre, while some is used in the production of yoghurt.
