A university graduate has surprised many by disclosing his earnings from dairy farming, particularly at a time when young people in Kenya are facing significant unemployment challenges.
Gordon Chui, 28, who graduated from Chuka University in 2018 with a diploma in animal health and production, chose to pursue his passion for farming rather than seek traditional employment.
By the time he completed his studies, he had already embarked on dairy farming with the assistance of his parents.
“I began dairy farming in 2015 while still in college, but I became more dedicated to it in 2018 after graduation. In addition to treating it as a business, I have a genuine passion for cows and have developed a strong bond with them,” Chui explained.
Following his graduation, he immediately entered the farming sector, supported by his parents who provided him with two cows to start his venture: a Friesian and an Ayrshire.
Currently, Chui owns 13 cows, which include four heifers, three dry cows, and six milk-producing cows.
He markets his milk to Brookside, Mt Kenya Milk, and Meru Central dairies.
“At my peak, I produced 257 liters with 10 cows. Presently, I am averaging between 155 and 175 liters daily, as three of my cows are dry. I sell 120 to 140 liters of milk in the morning to Brookside at Ksh 54 per liter, and in the evening, I sell between 40 to 65 liters to Mt Kenya or Meru Central at Ksh 50,” he stated.
Chui’s morning sales yield between Ksh 6,480 and Ksh 7,560, while his evening sales range from Ksh 2,000 to Ksh 3,250.
Dairy farming
Dairy farming in Kenya is primarily smallholder-driven, with over 400,000 farmers contributing to more than 70% of the nation’s milk production.
The industry has undergone significant changes since independence in 1963, evolving from colonial oversight to a self-sustaining sector.
Kenya’s dairy cows produce approximately 3.5 billion liters of milk annually, positioning the country as one of Africa’s largest dairy consumers.
Prominent breeds include Friesians and Ayrshires, mainly found in high-potential areas such as the Rift Valley and Central Province.
However, the sector faces challenges, including high production costs and the necessity for enhanced feed quality to satisfy increasing consumer demand.
