Businessman turns goat farming into a youth employment venture

Goat farming is emerging as an alternative source of employment and income for young people in Kenya, with opportunities extending beyond livestock rearing into milk production, meat processing, breeding and animal feed supply, according to Capital FM. Businessman Patrick Wanjau, founder of Mutitu Goat Farm, says his enterprise has created more than 20 jobs. "Goat farming creates jobs across the whole chain, not just on the farm," Wanjau said, noting roles for herders, milkers and attendants on the farm, as well as feed producers, slaughterhouses and transporters further down the chain.

The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) reports that the country had approximately 38.4 million goats in 2024, a 9.8 per cent increase from the previous year. The national herd comprised about 37.8 million meat goats and 649,528 dairy goats, underscoring the scale of the livestock sector in both meat and dairy production.

At Mutitu Goat Farm, Wanjau identifies milk and meat as the main revenue streams, with breeding stock offering a further source of income. Milk can provide regular income, while meat and breeding animals can be sold depending on market demand and production cycles.

Turning goat farming into a profitable enterprise requires more than acquiring livestock, the article notes. Feed availability, veterinary care, breeding management, suitable housing and reliable markets remain important considerations. Commercial production still requires investment in animal health, clean water and proper feeding systems, although goats can adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions.

Breed selection also shapes productivity and target markets. The Galla goat, indigenous to northern Kenya, is adapted to arid and semi-arid environments and valued for meat, milk, skin and manure. Dairy breeds including Saanen, Alpine and Toggenburg are kept for higher milk output; the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) says these have been crossed with local ecotypes to improve adaptation. The Ministry of Agriculture has identified meat goats as priority value chains in Mandera, Turkana, Marsabit, West Pokot and Baringo. For young entrants, Wanjau advises understanding the market and production costs before investing in animals, "then build steadily."