GITHURAI 45: In the bustling area of Githurai 45, Kiambu County, Robert Macharia’s Mwihoko Dairy Goat Farm is setting new standards in the dairy production industry, with a focus on goat milk that caters to customers with specific health needs. The farm, recognized as the best in Kenya during the ASK Nairobi Show in October 2023, has transformed from a small-scale operation to a major player in the agricultural sector, improving income and offering educational opportunities in farming.
According to Kenya News Agency, Robert Macharia has been in the dairy goat farming business for over 13 years, and his dedication has paid off with significant recognition. The farm currently hosts over 86 goats, with 33 actively milking and producing about 80 litres of milk daily. This output has been achieved through careful planning and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, requiring customers to place orders in advance to ensure the freshness of the milk.
Macharia’s operation on a compact 40 by 60 plot de
monstrates that successful farming can be achieved even in limited spaces. He focuses on high-quality feed and clean water to maintain the health and productivity of the goats. The farm’s primary customer base includes individuals suffering from conditions like arthritis, eczema, and lactose intolerance, with approximately 70 percent of customers under medication.
The farm is also dedicated to education, offering training sessions and consultancy services for aspiring farmers for a nominal fee. In collaboration with various NGOs and universities, including Operation Blessing in Kenya, the ACK Diocese of Mt. Kenya South, and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, the farm promotes agricultural initiatives among the youth.
Despite initial challenges and skepticism when transitioning from a stable job to farming, Macharia’s passion for agriculture has allowed him to turn adversity into opportunity. Looking forward, he aims to expand his herd and explore opportunities for value-added products l
ike cheese and pasteurization.
Eva Wanjiku, a management-level employee at the farm, shared insights into the breeds and operations. The farm primarily breeds Toggenburg, Saanen, and Alpine goats, imported from South Africa and France. Wanjiku highlighted the health benefits of goat’s milk, especially for boosting immunity and providing essential nutrients to young children.
The government’s recent establishment of embryo transfer facilities and goat artificial insemination centres in the country aims to improve animal breeds and boost farmers’ incomes, aligning with modern agriculture risk management strategies.