Goat farming in Kenya is quickly gaining popularity due to its low start-up cost and high returns. Many Kenyan farmers, both in rural and urban areas, are turning to goats for meat and milk production.
The demand for goat meat is very high, especially in nyama choma joints, where it is the preferred delicacy.
Goat milk is also gaining recognition for being more nutritious and easier to digest than cow milk. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced farmer, goat farming offers a steady source of income with minimal effort.
How To Succeed in Goat Farming In Kenya
Goat farming in Kenya can be done by anyone willing to learn and invest wisely. It involves selecting the right breed, providing good housing, feeding well, and preventing diseases. Below is a detailed guide to help you get started and grow your goat farming business.
Best Goat Breeds for Kenyan Farmers
Choosing the right goat breed is key to successful farming. Some breeds are good for meat, while others are better for milk.
- Saanen Goats – Known for high milk production.
- Toggenburg Goats – Also milk producers and adaptable to different environments.
- German Alpine Goats – Hardy animals good for both meat and milk.
- African Boer Goats – Popular meat breed with fast growth.
- Barbari – Dual-purpose breed known for resilience.
- Jamunapari Goats – Produce large amounts of milk.
- Black Bengal – Mostly reared for meat; known for high fertility.
- Galla Goats – Indigenous to Kenya, excellent for meat.
- Anglo Nubian Goats – Produce quality milk and grow quickly.
Goat Housing Tips That Work
Proper shelter improves goat health and productivity.
- Ensure pens are well-ventilated and dry.
- Fences should be strong to keep predators away.
- Clean the shelter regularly to prevent disease.
- Provide clean hay or dry grass for bedding.
- Shade is important, especially in hot regions.
Feeding Goats the Right Way
Feeding is one of the most important parts of goat farming in Kenya.
- Goats can eat crop residues, green leaves, and kitchen waste.
- Supplement their diet with formulated feeds for faster growth.
- Kids should be fed colostrum within the first few hours after birth.
- Green leguminous fodder improves digestion and milk output.
- Provide clean drinking water at all times.
Goat Farming Systems Used in Kenya
You can choose one of the following methods depending on your space and resources.
Open Grazing System
This method involves letting goats graze freely on open land. It is ideal for areas with enough pasture but needs a large space.
Semi-Intensive System
Here, goats graze during the day and are given concentrate feeds later. It works well for farmers with limited land.
Intensive System
Goats are kept indoors and fed throughout. This system is suitable for urban areas and helps reduce the risk of disease.
Common Goat Diseases to Watch Out For
Goats, like other livestock, are prone to several illnesses.
- Salmonella infection – Causes diarrhea and loss of appetite.
- Tuberculosis – Spreads easily; affected goats should be isolated.
- Rinderpest – Though rare, it can be fatal if not treated.
- Regular vaccination and clean environments help prevent disease.
- Isolate sick goats immediately to stop the spread.
Why Goat Farming Is a Good Idea
There are many benefits to raising goats in Kenya:
- Goats mature quickly, reaching market age in 10 to 12 months.
- Their short gestation period means faster production cycles.
- They require less capital to start compared to cows.
- Goats adapt well to harsh environments and tough conditions.
- Goat milk is rich in protein and can be milked several times a day.
- Goats reproduce quickly, leading to rapid herd growth.
The Market for Goats in Kenya
The demand for goats and goat products remains high in Kenya.
- Meat is the main product and is sold in butcheries and eateries.
- Open-air livestock markets are the most common selling points.
- With proper connections, farmers can sell directly to slaughterhouses.
- On average, a mature goat sells for around Ksh 6,000.
- Prices may go higher during festive seasons or drought.
Goat farming in Kenya is a simple yet profitable venture. With the right breed, good shelter, proper feeding, and disease control, any farmer can make good money.
Whether you are starting small or planning to go big, the opportunity is there. Focus on quality, and your goat farming business will thrive in any part of the country.
