At the age of 22, Rumenta Kimonyi, despite holding a law diploma, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, specifically in the meat industry. Currently pursuing an IT course at the United States International University, he manages Koriema Butchery Ltd in his hometown of Koriema, Baringo County. This butchery serves major towns like Eldoret, Nakuru, and Nairobi, supplying meat to a diverse clientele, including prominent figures such as restaurant owners, current and former members of parliament, governors, and urban residents.
Kimonyi’s business journey is a unique one, motivated by the desire to address the lack of quality and flavorful meat during his time in Nairobi and contribute to value addition in his community. Recognizing the abundant natural resource of goat meat in Baringo County, he seized the opportunity to meet the demand in various towns. Setting his business apart, he chose a distinctive approach—delivering meat directly to customers’ homes instead of relying solely on a brick-and-mortar butchery.
With a focus on financial success and community empowerment, Koriema Butchery Ltd not only supplies goat meat but also offers kienyeji chickens and fresh local vegetables. Kimonyi currently serves over 200 customers weekly and envisions expanding to reach at least 1000 customers to meet the high demand for meat. The business employs coolers for meat storage and utilizes vans for efficient home-to-home delivery, with credit-worthy clients supporting the growth of the enterprise.
Looking ahead, Kimonyi aims to uplift his community and position Baringo as a leading meat producer in Kenya, leveraging the county’s status as the second-largest livestock producer. Despite challenges in the market, such as the shift away from goat meat in many Kenyan butcheries due to rising prices and low supply, Kimonyi remains optimistic. The increased demand for goat meat in international markets, driven by factors like the exchange rate and bans on certain regions, has created both challenges and opportunities for the butchery business.
As the festive season approaches, traditionally a time of heightened meat consumption, Kimonyi plans to capitalize on this trend and contribute to the resurgence of goat meat as a preferred choice for consumers. Despite the current market dynamics, the butchery industry is expected to experience an upswing during this festive period, reaffirming meat as a favored delicacy in households.
