Bernard Njaramba departed from his position as chief executive officer at Telesis Tanzania to pursue a venture in the breeding of exotic Dorper sheep.
He established his enterprise on a 40-acre plot of land he had previously acquired in Kantafu, Machakos County.
At the farm, Njaramba constructed a modern high-roof facility for the sheep, equipped with CCTV cameras for efficient monitoring.
Additionally, he drilled boreholes to provide water sources, which are powered by solar energy.
Initially, Njaramba began his venture by raising indigenous sheep and goats; however, their maturation period proved to be excessively lengthy.
Consequently, he procured two Dorper lambs from a farm in Nakuru for crossbreeding.
“I could not earn more than Ksh 3,000 from an indigenous sheep and goat. Driven by a desire to succeed, I opted to purchase two Dorper breeding lambs from a Nakuru farm for Ksh 25,000 each, intending to enhance my flock through crossbreeding,” he stated.
Following successful breeding, Njaramba was impressed by the results and chose to invest in research on the Dorper breed to achieve even better outcomes.
“My research led me to various local Dorper sheep farms before I traveled to South Africa in search of superior Dorper genetics sought after by the world’s leading breeders. I aimed to find the best sheep that would ensure higher yields,” he explained.
After completing his research, Njaramba imported seven pregnant ewes and three breeding lambs, which eventually expanded to a flock of 450 breeding ewes.
However, he noted that adapting to new climates, diseases, and pests posed significant challenges during the startup phase.
Njaramba emphasized that this particular breed is drought-resistant, gains weight rapidly, and is not selective in grazing, allowing them to thrive efficiently.
An eight-month-old lamb typically weighs between 45 and 50 kilograms, whereas an adult ewe can range from 100 to 115 kilograms in weight.
Initially, Njaramba focused on breeding for meat to supply local traders and exporters before shifting his efforts to cater to experienced farmers in East Africa.
“The demand for Dorper meat exceeds the current supply. It operates as a volume-driven market. The fat distribution is even, and the meat is notably more tender compared to that of indigenous Dorpers raised by pastoralists,” he stated.
Additionally, Njaramba provides training for farm owners and their staff, who usually reside on the farm, engaging in three days of intensive instruction.
Concurrently, he has taken measures to insure his sheep against theft and mortality, encouraging farmers to do the same to mitigate potential losses from unforeseen circumstances.
“I aim to challenge the perception that animal husbandry is merely a fallback option for employed individuals or a pursuit for those lacking education in rural areas. Farming should be recognized as a legitimate career. Had I not utilized my land for breeding Dorper sheep, it would have either remained unproductive or been converted into a recreational facility,” he remarked.
