Ruto Opens Doors to Koilel Farm, Giving Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed a Rare Glimpse Inside

President William Ruto hosted Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at his Koilel Farm in Uasin Gishu County following the Mashujaa Day celebrations. The visit offered the Ethiopian leader an opportunity to observe the modern agricultural facilities and livestock management practices.

Ruto personally guided Abiy through the expansive farm, showcasing Kenya’s growing investment in commercial agriculture and modern dairy farming. The visit also highlighted the President’s agricultural interests beyond politics, particularly livestock production and the use of technology to improve farming operations.

Koilel Farm, located approximately 14 kilometres from the Eldoret-Nakuru Highway, is known for its large-scale livestock facilities. Its infrastructure reflects a modern approach to cattle farming, combining organised animal housing, specialised feeding equipment and advanced milk production systems.

One of the farm’s notable features is its modern dairy sheds, which accommodate dairy and beef cattle, including Friesian and Angus breeds. The animals are housed in large metal structures designed to support livestock management and provide an organised environment for daily farming activities.

The sheds feature clean terrazzo flooring, giving the livestock housing facilities a distinctive appearance. Such infrastructure forms part of the broader requirements of commercial livestock farming, where hygiene, animal comfort and efficient management are important considerations.

The farm also uses automated feeding technology to improve how cattle receive their daily rations. A Total Mixed Ration (TMR) feed mixer wagon blends hay, silage and grains into a uniform mixture before distributing the feed to the animals.

The system helps farmers maintain consistency in cattle nutrition while reducing the need for manual mixing and distribution. Proper feeding is essential in dairy production because balanced rations contribute to animal health, milk production and overall livestock performance.

Koilel Farm also features automated milking systems alongside industrial-grade milk storage facilities. These technologies support the collection and handling of milk, while specialised storage and transport arrangements help maintain efficiency throughout the production process.

The presence of modern equipment demonstrates how technology can support large-scale livestock operations. Automated systems can reduce labour demands, improve consistency and help farmers manage growing herds more efficiently when properly maintained and operated.

Abiy’s visit came after the Mashujaa Day celebrations, providing an opportunity for the two leaders to interact outside the formal national ceremony. The tour also placed attention on the agricultural facilities associated with Kenya’s Head of State.

Although the visit was primarily a farm tour, it highlighted the potential of modern livestock farming in supporting food production and agricultural development. Kenya continues to rely on agriculture as a major economic sector, with dairy farming providing livelihoods for many households.

The tour of Koilel Farm offered a practical look at how advanced equipment, improved livestock housing and organised feeding systems can contribute to commercial farming. It also provided a glimpse into the facilities Ruto maintains as part of his agricultural interests.

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