Charis Farm, located at Nyondia along Kinangop Road on the outskirts of Naivasha town, is a must-visit site for farmers in the region and beyond due to various smart agribusiness activities carried out there.
The farm, owned by Joyce Kiara, hosts various agribusiness activities such as dairy goat farming, fish farming, mushroom farming, and ornamental bird rearing, among others.
Narrating her journey in goat farming, the award-winning farmer said she started with one goat before the number multiplied to 200. Currently, the farm has 120 goats after 80 were sold during the recently concluded Agriculture Society of Kenya (ASK) Nakuru Show.
Kiara says dairy goats are easy to manage as they require lesser space and consume less feed compared to cattle. They are also resistant to many diseases compared to other animals. She rears the Saanen, British Alpine, Toggenburg, and Germany Alpine pure breeds.
”I do the Toggenburg breed most because it is a very hardy goat; it adapts to any climate, so if you are doing it for business, you can sell it anywhere in the country. Also, its milk is very thick compared to other goats,’’ she said.
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The goats also produce milk which sells at a better price than cow milk and is usually in high demand in the market.  Experts say goat milk is superior to cow’s because it is rich in calcium and amino acids, which are necessary for the development of healthy bones.
A litre of goat milk from Charis Farm goes for Sh200. The farmer also sells her goats to potential clients who are interested in engaging in goat farming. One goat goes for Sh25, 000.
Kiara advised anyone intending to venture into dairy farming to go for pure breeds that are registered under the Kenya stud book so as to understand the history of the animal and other important characteristics.
”Buying a registered goat is important so that you can follow the records of the goat. You need to understand the origin of the goat, its production, diseases that attack or have previously attacked the goat, and how to handle it and mitigation measures,’’ she said.
Kiara was feted in the just concluded 2023 Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya Trade Fair this month for the farm’s exemplary performance. Charis Farm won the best dairy goat farm award.
