Goat rearing has emerged as a key source of livelihood for farmers in Tindiret Sub-County, Nandi County.
Among those benefiting is John Kiptoo from the Songhor location, who has embraced goat keeping as a central component of his farming activities.
Kiptoo maintains a herd of about twelve goats, comprising mainly female goats, a few male breeding goats, and young kids. “The female goats are the backbone of my farm because they give me milk every day, which I sell to support my family,” he explains. The male goats are primarily used for breeding and occasionally sold to generate extra income.
He manages his herd under a semi-intensive system, allowing the goats to graze during the day while providing supplementary feed at home to ensure their health and productivity.
Kiptoo describes the sale of goat milk as a significant contributor to household income. “People in my community like goat milk because it is healthy, and they are willing to pay a good price for it,” he says. On most days, he collects and sells between six and eight litres of milk at around Sh 100 per litre, earning approximately Sh 600 to Sh 800 daily.
“It may not seem like a lot each day, but over time it helps meet household expenses, pay school fees, and buy small farm inputs,” he adds. The steady income from milk sales has been crucial for maintaining the family’s financial stability.
In addition to milk, Kiptoo generates income from selling mature goats. “Depending on the size and condition of the goat, I can get between Sh 8,000 and 12,000 when I need extra cash,” he says. The goats thus act as a form of savings that can be converted into cash during unforeseen situations, enhancing financial security.
He emphasizes that goat rearing has significantly strengthened his household’s economic resilience. “Without these goats, we would struggle every season when crops fail or market prices are low,” he observes. By producing milk for daily sales and keeping goats for occasional larger earnings, Kiptoo has established multiple streams of income.
He also notes the practical benefits of goat keeping: “The goats provide manure for my crops and sometimes even supply food when needed.” Over time, careful attention to feeding, breeding, and herd management has translated into reliable income, improved food security, and overall well-being for his family.
By Sammy Mwibanda
