Gicheha Farm, an expansive agricultural enterprise associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has put a wide range of pedigree livestock on the market, offering farmers an opportunity to acquire breeds selected for milk production, meat, wool and adaptability to local conditions.
The farm, located about a kilometre off the Nakuru-Eldoret highway, covers more than 4,000 acres and is home to over 1,000 animals, with a significant proportion of the livestock reportedly imported from South Africa.
Animals available for purchase range from high-yielding dairy cattle and specialised goats to sheep, pigs, and poultry, with prices varying by breed and other characteristics.
Among the most expensive animals listed are Girolando cattle, a breed known for its ability to withstand heat while maintaining high milk production.
The farm says the animals can produce between 50 and 60 litres of milk a day, with high butterfat content. Prices range from $900 (about Sh116,505) to $2,200 (Sh284,790).
Friesian cattle, another popular dairy breed, are listed at between $850 (Sh110,033) and $2,500 (Sh323,625). The breed can produce between 25 and 40 litres of milk daily.
Ayrshire cattle, which are considered well suited to pasture-based farming systems, cost between $800 (Sh103,560) and $2,000 (Sh258,900).
Jersey cows, meanwhile, are priced from $750 (Sh97,088) to $1,900 (Sh245,955). The breed is particularly sought after for its rich milk, which typically contains butterfat levels of between five and six per cent.
Other dairy breeds available include Guernsey cattle, which are favoured for butter production. They are listed at between $820 (Sh106,149) and $2,100 (Sh271,845).
Brown Swiss cattle, valued for their longevity and suitability for cheese production, cost between $950 (Sh122,978) and $2,300 (Sh297,735).
Dairy goats
Gicheha Farm’s goat section features several dairy breeds aimed at farmers seeking alternative sources of milk.
Saanen goats, regarded as high-producing dairy animals, are listed at between $140 (Sh18,123) and $260 (Sh33,657). The breed can produce about five to six litres of milk per day.
Alpine goats, known for their grazing ability, cost between $150 and $280, while Toggenburg goats, valued for their tolerance to colder conditions, range from $145 to $270.
German Alpine goats are priced between $160 and $290, while Nubian goats cost between $170 and $300.
Sheep for meat and wool
The farm also offers sheep breeds selected for different production purposes.
The locally adapted Red Maasai, recognised for its ability to withstand harsh conditions and resist disease, starts at $120 (about Sh15,534).
For farmers interested in wool production, Merino sheep command higher prices, reaching up to $420 (Sh54,369).
Dorper sheep, a popular meat breed that does not require shearing, are available for between $180 (Sh23,301) and $400 (Sh51,780). Lambs are also available, with prices starting from $39 (Sh5,049).
Pigs and poultry
The farm’s livestock catalogue also includes several pig breeds, ranging from Yorkshire to Berkshire.
Berkshire pigs, known for producing premium pork with a distinctive dark flavour, are priced between $250 (Sh32,363) and $700 (Sh90,615).
Poultry forms another component of the farm’s agricultural operations.
Layer chickens are priced at between $6 (Sh777) and $12 (Sh1,553) each, depending on the breed. The available varieties include Kuroiler, Sasso, White Leghorn, Hyline Brown, ISA Brown, Lohmann Brown and Rhode Island Brown.
For broiler production, the farm lists Kuroiler, Sasso, Arbor Acres, Hubbard, Ross 308 and Cobb 500. The birds are priced at between $5 (Sh648) and $7 (Sh907) each.
According to farm manager Jackson Odongo, who has overseen the farm’s export operations for more than 18 years, buyers receive documentation confirming the health status of the animals.
He said livestock is supplied with verified health certificates and complete vaccination records, while buyers also receive after-sale support.
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