Michael Murigi, an accountant by profession, started farming in 2012 as a side hustle, a venture that currently earns him Sh120K per month.
With a capital of Sh300,000, he set up a pig farm on his piece of land at Thindigua, Kiambu County. The money was partially used to build pig houses and purchase two female pigs.
“Seven years ago, I bought a quarter of land at Thindigua, Kiambu County at Sh10m obtained from my savings on my consultancy job; my initial plan was to build my home but opted for farming instead; this is a decision I do no regret to date,” said Murigi.
While the venture was promising, he saw big money in dairy farming and never looked back. He sold all the pigs for Sh380,000 and bought four heifers, two Friesian dairy cows, and two Ayrshire at Sh55,000 each.
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The animals were serviced through artificial insemination and have since multiplied to 18 cows. He feeds the herd with Boma Rhodes and sweet potato vines which he grows on his farm.
He also gives his cows ma click salt supplements and homemade dairy meal. Murigi preferred homemade feed as commercial feeds were not of good quality enough, which he says affected the growth and health of his cows.
He produces 57-60 liters of milk per day and sells 70 shillings per liter. This translates to Sh119,700 to Sh126,000 monthly income. At the moment, he finds a market locally from Thindigua residents who source the milk directly from his farm.
Selling milk directly from farms is said to be more profitable than supplying to processors who buy at low prices, making more profits at the expense of the farmer.
The business has proven to be lucrative for Murigi, who plans to start processing his own yoghurt and produce biogas for domestic use.
