In the bustling outskirts of Nairobi, just 15 kilometers from the city center, lies Githurai 45 Estate. Here, amidst a mix of slums and suburbs, a remarkable success story has emerged.
Robert Macharia Kinyua, a former telecommunications employee turned dairy goat farmer, has transformed his small plot of land into a thriving dairy goat venture.
With his passion for farming and dedication to providing nutritious milk, he has not only secured a decent income for himself but also inspired others in the community.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
The Journey Begins
Macharia’s journey began in 2011 when he was retrenched from his job, leaving him unemployed but determined to explore alternative income sources.
With his Ksh20,000 in savings, he purchased German Alpine dairy goats from a farmer in Embu, initially aiming to provide his family with nutritious milk while exploring other income opportunities.
However, as his goats multiplied, Macharia’s vision expanded, and he saw the potential for dairy goat farming as a lucrative business.
The Benefits of Goat Milk
Goat milk, renowned for its superior nutritional properties, quickly became a sought-after product. Research conducted by Rebecca Jerop at Egerton University confirmed that goat milk offers superior digestibility and absorption of proteins and amino acids compared to cow milk.
It’s medicinal benefits, particularly for individuals on medication such as HIV/AIDS victims, further contributed to its high demand.
Scaling Up Goat Milk Production
Today, Macharia’s farm boasts a herd of over 50 dairy goats, predominantly German Alpine breeds, which he feeds a combination of dry matter and silage to preserve green fodder for future use.
To ensure the nutritional needs of his goats are met, Macharia even hires a truck to procure hay and grass from Naivasha, a testament to his dedication to their well-being.
Thriving Business
Robert Macharia hard work has paid off, with his 14 milked goats producing an average of 25 liters of milk per day. Selling each liter at Ksh200, his daily revenue reaches an impressive Ksh5,000.
The demand for his goat milk is so high that he often finds himself running out of stock due to numerous customer orders, primarily from individuals with medical prescriptions.
Empowering Others
Recognizing the potential for growth and the impact it can have on the community, Macharia registered his farm as Mwihoko Dairy Goat Farm in 2017. Alongside his thriving business, he now focuses on training and mentoring aspiring dairy goat farmers.
His goal is to eradicate poverty in the surrounding society by sharing his knowledge and expertise, making dairy goat farming an accessible and profitable venture for others.
Overcoming Challenges
While the journey has been rewarding, Macharia has faced challenges along the way. One of the major hurdles has been the shortage of qualified and trusted veterinary officers, leading to losses in his goat population.
Additionally, the poor quality of animal feeds available in the market has negatively impacted production. However, Macharia remains resilient, constantly seeking solutions to ensure the health and productivity of his goats.
Looking Ahead
His passion for farming and his love for goats continue to drive him forward. His success as a dairy goat farmer has garnered recognition, including multiple accolades at the Nairobi International Trade Fair.
With a strong focus on expanding his business and empowering others, Robert Macharia envisions a future where dairy goat farming becomes a key player in eradicating poverty, offering a sustainable livelihood for individuals in the community.
