Goat farming in Kenya is steadily gaining popularity due to its low start-up costs, adaptability to different climates, and growing demand for goat meat (chevon), milk, and manure. Whether you’re in arid, semi-arid, or highland areas, goats are hardy animals that thrive with minimal input — making them a great agribusiness option for smallholder and commercial farmers alike.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to start goat farming in Kenya, the different breeds, feeding, housing, disease control, cost breakdowns, and how to make money from goats in Kenya.
Why Choose Goat Farming?
Goats are among the most profitable livestock ventures in Kenya because:
- They mature faster than cows.
- They are relatively cheap to manage.
- Goat meat has a growing market both locally and internationally.
- Goat milk is gaining popularity for its nutritional value.
- They reproduce quickly, providing a steady source of income.
Best Goat Breeds in Kenya
Choosing the right breed is essential for success. Here are the most common and productive goat breeds in Kenya:
1. Galla Goat
Known for its resilience in arid areas and good meat quality.
2. Boer Goat
A heavy meat breed from South Africa that grows fast and has high carcass weight.
3. Saanen Goat
A high milk-producing breed best suited for cooler regions.
4. Toggenburg & Alpine Goats
Both are excellent dairy breeds, popular in central and highland regions of Kenya.
5. Small East African Goat (SEAG)
A hardy indigenous breed ideal for tough environments with low inputs.
Setting Up a Profitable Goat Farm
1. Housing
Goats require a raised, well-ventilated structure with good drainage to avoid respiratory diseases and hoof problems. Basic housing can cost:
- Ksh 30,000 – Ksh 100,000 depending on materials and size.
2. Feeding and Nutrition
Goats feed on a mix of:
- Natural pasture
- Hay
- Fodder trees (Calliandra, Leucaena)
- Concentrates (especially for lactating does and growing kids)
- Minerals and clean water
Monthly feeding costs for a small herd of 10 goats: Ksh 6,000 – 10,000.
Breeding and Reproduction
- Goats reach breeding maturity at 8-10 months.
- Gestation period is 5 months.
- A healthy doe can give birth to twins or triplets twice a year.
- With good management, a farmer can have a 200% kidding rate annually.
Common Goat Diseases and Management
1. PPR (Peste des Petits Ruminants)
Vaccinate annually.
2. Foot Rot
Prevent with clean, dry floors and foot baths.
3. Helminthiasis (Worms)
De-worm regularly every 3 months.
4. Ectoparasites (Ticks, Fleas)
Spray regularly with recommended acaricides.
Routine veterinary services: Approx. Ksh 1,000 per month for a small herd.
How Much Money Can You Make from Goat Farming in Kenya?
Let’s break it down for a small-scale meat goat farming venture with 10 does and 1 buck.
| Item | Estimated Cost (Ksh) |
|---|---|
| Housing | 50,000 |
| 10 does @ 6,000 | 60,000 |
| 1 breeding buck | 10,000 |
| Feed (6 months, reduced) | 30,000 |
| Veterinary + deworming | 6,000 |
| Labor (optional) | 12,000 |
| Miscellaneous | 5,000 |
| Total Investment | 173,000 |
Returns after 1 year (2 kiddings per year, avg 1.8 kids/doe):
- Total kids = 10 does × 1.8 kids × 2 = 36 kids
- Survival rate = 90% ⇒ 32 kids
- Sale @ Ksh 5,000 per kid = Ksh 160,000
- Plus mature goat sales (if any) = Ksh 20,000+
- Estimated Total Income: Ksh 180,000
With reduced feeding costs through grazing or use of farm-grown fodder, your profit margin improves significantly. You break even quicker and achieve higher ROI in year 2 and beyond.
Value Addition and Marketing
Don’t just sell goats — explore other income avenues:
- Milk Sales: Goat milk retails at Ksh 150 – 200 per litre in urban areas.
- Manure: Organic manure from goats can be packaged and sold to gardeners and farmers.
- Breeding Services: Rent out your buck for Ksh 500 – 1,000 per service.
- Live Animal Sales: Sell mature goats during peak demand seasons (festivals, weddings, Eid, etc.)
Where to Sell Your Goats
- Local butcheries and restaurants
- Open air markets
- Online classifieds (Jiji, Facebook groups)
- Farm gate sales
- Cooperatives and traders
Always plan your sales around market demand and scarcity periods for higher prices.
Challenges in Goat Farming
- Diseases, especially PPR and pneumonia in cold seasons.
- Theft – secure your farm.
- Market fluctuations.
- Feed shortages during dry spells.
Solution: Invest in simple feed storage, have a vaccination schedule, and use secure housing.
Tips for Success in Goat Farming
- Start small and grow steadily.
- Keep records: births, sales, vaccinations, feed costs.
- Consult with a livestock extension officer.
- Join local goat farmers’ associations or cooperatives.
- Practice rotational grazing to maintain healthy pastures.
Final Thoughts
Goat farming in Kenya offers a scalable agribusiness opportunity with quick returns and multiple income streams. With the right breed, good management, and consistent health care, even a small herd can generate a sustainable income for any serious farmer.
