Kennedy Nyadimo is a dog handler in Maili Nne Estate, Eldoret, UasinGishu County.
He makes money from hiring out dogs to locals who use them for protection overnight and returns them in the morning.
Some of the breeds he owns include Boerboels, Rottweilers, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.
Here is Nyadimo’s story as told by WoK.
Nyadimo runs his business from a small space in Maili Nne Estate in Eldoret.
He breeds and trains dogs, and then leases them out to households and local businesses in the area for protection at a fee.
In an interview, Nyadimo explained that he decided to fully venture into the dog breeding business in 2015 after realising how rapidly Eldoret town was growing.
At the time, he started with one kennel but he has grown to have over 20 dogs.
“I realised that Eldoret town was expanding rapidly hence the need for enhanced security that could be complimented by dogs,” he said.
Nyadimo charges Ksh 500 to hire a dog for an overnight assignment.
“The minimum period for hiring a dog is one week. We agree with our client on the best food that the dogs should be served during this period since they need to stay health all the time,” he said.
With this venture, Nyadimo has also managed to create employment for others through this venture by hiring handlers who manage the dogs.
“Through this business, I have managed to purchase a piece of land where I now stay and I have also been able to establish other businesses in the town,” he said.
Other than hiring out dogs, Nyadimo also sells them to people who are interested in keeping dogs.
“We also sell these dogs and the prices vary depending on their variety and weight. Our main clients for this are security companies who want more guard dogs for their daily operations,” he said.
While the business is profitable, Nyadimo explained that he faces among other challenges the cost of treating and feeding the animals.
“These dogs have to be fed well. The food we give them is quite expensive but we have to do this since it is an investment worth it. When they are sick we have to bring in specialists to treat them. It is a costly affair that requires a lot of sacrifice,” he said.