Kiambu Emerges as Hub for Dairy Cattle Breeding in Kenya
Source: The DairyNews
Kiambu County is becoming a hotspot for dairy cattle breeding in Kenya, attracting farmers from across the country due to its favorable conditions for dairy farming. Known for its excellent weather, infrastructure, and status as one of the highest milk producers in the nation, Kiambu is drawing attention not just for its milk production but also for its specialized breeding of dairy cattle, particularly heifers.
Farmers from various regions, such as Ruth Sian from Kajiado County, are traveling to Kiambu to purchase dairy cows, with a preference for breeds like the Friesian, known for high milk yield. "I chose to visit Kiambu to search for the right breed that will be ideal for my new venture in milk production due to the high demand for milk in my region," Sian explained. Her choice is influenced by the harsh weather conditions in her home region, which have made traditional cattle farming challenging.
Kiambu's proximity to major markets like Nairobi, coupled with its abundant rainfall, fertile soil, and good roads, makes it an attractive location for dairy farming. Local farmers like Paul Njau are capitalizing on this by adopting modern techniques such as crossbreeding and using social media for advertising, which has significantly expanded their customer base both locally and internationally.
Njau, a dairy farmer and breeder from Kiaria in Githunguri subcounty, shares that crossbreeding a Friesian heifer with Fleckvieh bull semen has produced offspring that not only yield milk rich in proteins but are also disease-resistant. This innovative approach has helped him attract a wide range of customers, "Our vision is to introduce to farmers a breed that will give them higher returns hence encourage them to practice dairy farming as a profitable business," he said.
From his three-quarter-acre farm, Njau manages 72 dairy cows and about 58 calves, earning profits between Sh8-10 million annually. He notes the increasing interest from customers in semi-arid regions, drawn by the breed's cost-effectiveness, efficient feed conversion rate, disease resistance, and longer production life.
The popular breeds in the area include Jersey, Friesian, and Ayrshire, which are all favored for their various advantageous traits. The Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society, a local cooperative, has also made significant strides in supporting small-scale farmers to market their milk and dairy products under the brand name 'Fresh'.
The Kenyan government, both at the national and county levels, has been instrumental in supporting the dairy sector. Agencies like the Kenya Dairy Board regulate, promote, and educate on dairy farming, ensuring the sector's growth and sustainability. This strategic support has bolstered Kiambu's position as a leading dairy farming community in Kenya, making it a model for successful dairy production and cattle breeding.
Kiambu's proximity to major markets like Nairobi, coupled with its abundant rainfall, fertile soil, and good roads, makes it an attractive location for dairy farming. Local farmers like Paul Njau are capitalizing on this by adopting modern techniques such as crossbreeding and using social media for advertising, which has significantly expanded their customer base both locally and internationally.
Njau, a dairy farmer and breeder from Kiaria in Githunguri subcounty, shares that crossbreeding a Friesian heifer with Fleckvieh bull semen has produced offspring that not only yield milk rich in proteins but are also disease-resistant. This innovative approach has helped him attract a wide range of customers, "Our vision is to introduce to farmers a breed that will give them higher returns hence encourage them to practice dairy farming as a profitable business," he said.
From his three-quarter-acre farm, Njau manages 72 dairy cows and about 58 calves, earning profits between Sh8-10 million annually. He notes the increasing interest from customers in semi-arid regions, drawn by the breed's cost-effectiveness, efficient feed conversion rate, disease resistance, and longer production life.
The popular breeds in the area include Jersey, Friesian, and Ayrshire, which are all favored for their various advantageous traits. The Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society, a local cooperative, has also made significant strides in supporting small-scale farmers to market their milk and dairy products under the brand name 'Fresh'.
The Kenyan government, both at the national and county levels, has been instrumental in supporting the dairy sector. Agencies like the Kenya Dairy Board regulate, promote, and educate on dairy farming, ensuring the sector's growth and sustainability. This strategic support has bolstered Kiambu's position as a leading dairy farming community in Kenya, making it a model for successful dairy production and cattle breeding.
