Starting with a small herd, much like many aspiring dairy farmers, the athlete embarked on his journey with a modest number of cows, producing a limited quantity of milk. Kiptanui initially began with just 20 cows, which together yielded around 20 liters of milk each day.
By 2020, his herd had grown significantly, reaching 150 cows and increasing daily milk production to up to 1,000 liters. He now manages 100 acres of land in Cherangany dedicated to dairy farming and oversees his own breeding practices to ensure he acquires superior milk-producing breeds.
In 2020, the most productive cow in his herd produced 35 liters of milk daily, while the least productive provided 15 liters. To enhance profitability and reduce the costs associated with dairy farming, Kiptanui also produces his own animal feeds.
“I formulate my own feeds here at the farm, which ensures I get the right ratio and the right nutrients for my cows,” he explained.
Beyond dairy farming, the former athlete has diversified his investments into real estate and operates a supermarket chain with branches in Cherangany, Kachibora, Eldoret, and Kitale. On December 5, 2020, Kiptanui opened the latest branch of his supermarket at Komora Center in the Eldoret Central Business District, a building he owns.
“This is our fourth branch after years of striving to catch up with other retailers. Sacrificing to run for the country and also in the business world is essential,” he remarked during the grand opening.
Currently, Kiptanui’s business employs 30 people, and with the support of other branches, he hopes to increase that number to 70 once business returns to normal.
Under the Tulin brand, Kiptanui also operates a bakery that produces bread and other items for distribution in his supermarkets. Despite his involvement in dairy farming, he acknowledges selling milk from various brands in his stores.
“In most cases, imported milk is Ksh 10 cheaper than local options, making it challenging to compete in stores as consumers tend to choose the lower-priced product,” he observed.
Kiptanui’s journey into entrepreneurship began unexpectedly. On June 8, 1995, during a Grand Prix event at the Rome Olympic Stadium in Italy, he set a new world record in the steeplechase. In recognition of this achievement, he was awarded a pedigree stallion. However, logistical challenges in transporting the stallion to Kenya forced him to sell the horse for approximately Ksh 880,000. Unbeknownst to him, this sale would become the seed money for his entry into the world of business.
This newfound wealth transformed Kiptanui’s life, allowing him to transition from a world-class steeplechase champion to a successful dairy farmer in the North Rift and a prominent real estate investor.
