Herman Gathoga is the founder of Gadites Farm, a pig breeding enterprise in Kiambaa Kiambu County.

Gathoga notes that he has been in the pig business for nine years noting that it has not only benefitted him financially but has also expanded his knowledge in agribusiness.

He revealed that he started the venture in his father’s backyard with a few animals which have multiplied to the current 780 pigs.

The pigs are of different breeds including the F1, Landrace, Duroc, and the large white, among others.

”We do almost all types of the pigs that are there as we try to be a one-stop shop for our clients. People who come looking for a specific breed such as a breed for fattening, we encourage them on the right animal to purchase.’’ He explained.

”We teach, train, and take our customers through the whole process of pig farming including the market for the animals.’’ Added Gathoga.

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According to him, managing such a huge number has not been smooth sailing given how demanding the venture is.

His team of six employees however helps in the basic farm work including feeding, cleaning, and administering disease prevention measures.

He notes that the only secret to thriving in the pig business is providing quality feed to the animals as well as a high level of care to keep off diseases.

He uses homemade feeds to cut production costs. Among the diseases he has struggled with are swine fever and pneumonia.

He however says the venture is more lucrative than any other type of agribusiness and doesn’t regret investing in it.

”This is the only business that gave me a tangible amount of money that I can be able to do something. In other businesses, I tried to hit Sh1 million but it was very hard due to high production cost,’’ he said.

Gathoga explained that he started as a vegetable farmer before graduating to poultry farming, dairy farming, and later pig farming.

He notes that the animals take 6 months to reach maturity after birth, and at this stage, they can fetch between Sh18,000 to Sh20,000. In a single day, he sells up to 50 pigs.

He also sells piglets depending on the age and breed. Up to  3 months old piglets goes for between Sh3,500 to Sh4,500.

Gathoga also sells quality feeds to his pig customers at a more affordable price compared to what other retailers charge.