A university graduate in Kenya has stunned many by revealing his impressive earnings from dairy farming, especially at a time when youth unemployment is a pressing issue in the country.
Gordon Chui, 28, who graduated from Chuka University in 2018 with a diploma in animal health and production, chose to follow his passion for farming rather than seek conventional employment.
Chui began his dairy farming journey back in 2015, while still a student. However, it was after his graduation in 2018 that he fully committed to the venture. With a deep affection for cows, he not only treated his farming as a business but also developed a genuine bond with his livestock.
Upon completing his studies, he was supported by his parents, who provided him with two cows— a Friesian and an Ayrshire— to kickstart his farming career.
Today, Chui owns 13 cows, which include four heifers, three dry cows, and six milk-producing cows. He markets his milk to prominent dairies such as Brookside, Mt Kenya Milk, and Meru Central.
“At my peak, I was producing 257 liters with just 10 cows. Currently, I average between 155 and 175 liters daily since three of my cows are dry. In the mornings, I sell 120 to 140 liters to Brookside at Ksh 54 per liter, while in the evenings, I sell between 40 to 65 liters to Mt Kenya or Meru Central at Ksh 50,” Chui explained.
His morning sales bring in between Ksh 6,480 and Ksh 7,560, while his evening sales generate between Ksh 2,000 and Ksh 3,250.
Dairy farming in Kenya is largely dominated by smallholder farmers, with over 400,000 farmers contributing to more than 70% of the country’s milk production.
The industry has evolved significantly since independence in 1963, transitioning from colonial oversight to a self-sustaining sector. Kenya now produces approximately 3.5 billion liters of milk annually, making it one of Africa’s largest dairy consumers. Key breeds include Friesians and Ayrshires, which are commonly found in high-potential regions like the Rift Valley and Central Province.
Despite its growth, the sector faces challenges such as rising production costs and the need for better quality feed to meet the growing demand from consumers.
