In recent years, goat farming in Kenya has emerged as one of the most promising agribusiness ventures for young people. From the dry plains of Turkana to the fertile highlands of Nakuru County, goat farming is creating income, food security, and entrepreneurial pride among many youths.
With Kenya’s rising population and increasing demand for meat and milk, goat farming is no longer a rural fallback activity. It’s a profitable, scalable business opportunity that can be started with little capital and expanded with vision and determination.
Why Goat Farming in Kenya Is a Smart Move for Youth
Goat farming in Kenya is ideal for both beginners and experienced farmers. Goats are low-maintenance, resilient animals that can adapt to various climatic conditions. They don’t require massive land investments or expensive infrastructure, making them accessible even to jobless youth in both rural and urban areas.
Goats are a source of high-quality meat (chevon), nutrient-rich milk quickly gaining popularity, valuable manure for crops and income through breeding and resale.
In a country with high unemployment rates, goat farming offers young Kenyans a chance to earn, learn, and grow.
Goat farming in Nakuru is gaining popularity due to the region’s strategic climate, availability of veterinary services, and market access. Nakuru’s proximity to Nairobi makes it a strong goat meat and milk distribution hub.
Many young farmers around the country are starting small with just 5 to 10 goats and gradually expanding. Towns like Subukia, Gilgil, and Njoro are already becoming known for successful goat farms run by enterprising youth.
Starting Goat Farming in Kenya: What You Need
To succeed in goat farming, young people in Kenya need basic knowledge, a small investment, and consistent care for their animals.
Here’s how to start:
- Choose a purpose: Meat goats (like Boer, Galla) or milk goats (like Saanen, Toggenburg)
- Secure a space: Even ¼ acre is enough to start with 5–10 goats
- Build a simple shelter: Dry, well-ventilated sheds are ideal
- Plan your feeding: Goats thrive on hay, grass, supplements, and kitchen leftovers
- Learn disease control: Deworming, vaccinations, and basic hygiene
In Nakuru County, you can access local agricultural extension officers or join county training programs to learn best practices.
Is Goat Farming in Kenya Profitable?
Yes. One healthy mature goat can sell for Ksh 6,000–15,000, depending on the breed and size. With proper breeding, a goat can give birth to twins or triplets twice a year, which means your herd can grow quickly.
For example:
- Start with 10 goats
- Each produces 2 kids twice a year = 40 kids in 12 months
- Sell half at Ksh 8,000 = Ksh 160,000 in a year
This doesn’t include income from milk, manure, or breeding services. With a well-run operation, goat farming in Kenya can yield better returns than many office jobs.
Urban Goat Farming in Kenya: A Growing Trend
Goat farming isn’t just for villagers. Urban goat farming in Kenya is booming, especially in peri-urban areas like Naivasha and Lanet in Nakuru.
With small backyard spaces or plots, young urban dwellers are raising goats using innovative methods such as:
- Vertical fodder systems (hydroponics)
- Raised sheds for space efficiency
- Scheduled feeding and record-keeping apps
Some youth farmers in Nakuru town have even partnered with butcheries, restaurants, and schools to directly supply fresh goat meat and milk—eliminating middlemen and maximizing profit.
Goat Farming in Nakuru: Government and Market Support
The Nakuru County government has been instrumental in supporting goat farming in Nakuru. Programs include:
- Free/subsidized goat breeds
- Training workshops for young farmers
- Access to markets and value chain networks
- Veterinary support and disease control programs
Local cooperatives and SACCOs are also helping youth access small loans to expand their goat farming ventures.
Markets in Nakuru, Nairobi, Eldoret, and even South Sudan are hungry for goat meat. By tapping into this demand, youth in Nakuru County can grow from micro-farmers into serious agribusiness entrepreneurs.
Value Addition in Goat Farming: Multiply Your Earnings
If you want to grow fast in goat farming in Kenya, consider adding value. This is where the real money lies.
Here’s how:
- Sell goat milk directly or turn it into yoghurt and soap
- Breed and sell improved goats (Boer crosses are in high demand)
- Package goat manure for organic farming
- Process and package meat for niche markets (hotels, supermarkets)
Some youth in Nakuru are already selling “organic goat milk” in branded bottles at premium prices to middle-class families. Others are offering “farm-to-table” meat packages through social media.
Technology and Innovation in Goat Farming
Today’s goat farmer in Kenya doesn’t have to rely on guesswork. With smartphones, youth can:
- Track animal health and growth
- Use apps for breeding cycles and budgeting
- Watch tutorials on YouTube
- Market their products on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp groups
In Nakuru, youth-led farms are incorporating solar-powered water systems, smart feeders, and even mini biogas units from goat waste—making their ventures efficient and eco-friendly.
Goat Farming and Food Security in Kenya
Goat farming is not just about income but also about nutrition and resilience. Goats provide affordable protein through meat and milk, especially for low-income families. Due to their low water needs, goats are more sustainable in dry areas than cows.
As Kenya faces climate change and population pressure, goat farming will be crucial in future food systems. Youth are the key to making this transformation happen.
Conclusion: The Time to Start is Now
Whether you live in a rural village or an urban estate, goat farming in Kenya offers a golden opportunity to escape unemployment and build wealth.
Young people in Nakuru and across the country must look beyond the traditional job hunt and embrace farming—not as a last resort but as a modern, profitable, and dignified business.
So, if you’re a young Kenyan with ambition and a desire to create something of your own, consider this your call to action:
Start your goat farm. Build your herd. Create your future.
