GITHURAI, KIAMBU COUNTY – Robert Macharia’s journey in agribusiness started modestly in 2012 with just two goats aimed at providing milk for his family. Today, his venture, Mwihoko Dairy Goat Farm, has grown to host 82 dairy goats, becoming a testament to the viability of urban farming in Githurai.

According to Kenya News Agency, the director of Mwihoko Dairy Goat Farm, the decision to expand came as he recognized the high demand for goat milk in the area, prompting him to scale up operations. Over the years, he has managed to significantly increase his livestock, even factoring in the goats he has sold. Currently, his goats produce over 70 liters of milk daily, much of which is sold in the bustling Githurai market, conveniently located near Nairobi.

Macharia’s strategic approach to farming in a small urban space emphasizes quality feed and efficient space management. He feeds his goats a nutritious mix of dairy meal, Lucerne, and Boma Rhodes grass, which helps maintain high milk production. His farm is meticulously planned, with specialized goat pens that cater to different growth stages of the animals and is populated with German and French Alpine breeds for selective breeding.

The success of his urban farm was recently highlighted when Mwihoko Dairy Goat Farm received a top award at the 2023 Nairobi International Trade Fair, underscoring its status as a leading example of urban agricultural entrepreneurship in Kenya.

Macharia advises other urban farmers to adopt a mindset shift from traditional farming to smart, entrepreneurial agribusiness. He emphasizes the importance of passion and strategic planning in achieving success in the competitive field of urban dairy goat farming.