What can you do with a 100 by 100 ft piece of land? For Gitau Kakuma from Githunguri in Kiambu County, it holds close to 100 cows in different stages of milk production. Kakuma didn’t wake up and found himself with all those animals. How he rose from a matatu driver to now a successful dairy farmer will inspire you.
From his savings in the Matatu driving, Kakuma started off with three Fresian cows. Grew steadily to the current herd. His herd now has 45 cows that produce at least 910 litres of milk daily.
In the herd, 35 of the cows are pregnant and will be giving him calves very soon.
18 cows are at the weaning stage and will join the milking herd soon
With a daily milk production of 910 litres, Kakuma pockets Sh31,850 as the income for everyday. The income is however subject to deduction of running costs.
Kakuma however laments that the prices of milk have reduced from Ksh45 that was there initially to now Ksh35. The drop in milk prices is crippling down dairy farming especially during the prolonged droughts.
To the success of his farming, Kakuma credits to careful selection and proper breeding.
Further to his success is his wife Grace Gitau who is the assistant manager of the farm.
Since the herd is increasing every day. Kakuma took a loan from Githunguri Dairy Cooperative society with which he intends to purchase some piece of land and