From KSh40,000 to Over 100 Goats: How Former Matatu Driver Built a Thriving Dairy Farming Business

A former matatu driver from Nakuru County has demonstrated how a small investment in agriculture can transform a family’s financial situation, after turning two pregnant dairy goats into a herd of more than 100 animals.

Simon Ng’ang’a Wamsey, from Elburgon, began his dairy goat farming journey with just KSh40,000. What started as an effort to reduce household expenses has gradually developed into an income-generating venture that supports his family and provides milk to customers in his neighbourhood.

Simon reportedly spent 25 years working as a matatu driver before leaving the transport industry in 2016. His decision to venture into farming was partly influenced by family responsibilities after the death of his daughter, which left him and his wife raising their grandchildren.

In 2017, he visited a friend in Nyeri County who introduced him to dairy goat farming. He became interested in the business after discovering that goats could provide a regular supply of nutritious milk while also producing offspring that could be sold for additional income.

At the time, Simon was spending approximately KSh120 every day purchasing two litres of cow’s milk for his household. He realised that keeping dairy goats could help eliminate this recurring expense.

With his savings, he purchased two pregnant Toggenburg goats from Kenana Farm in Njoro at KSh15,000 each. He used the remaining amount to construct a simple shelter using locally available materials.

Three months after making the investment, both goats gave birth to twins, marking the beginning of his farming success. His family could now access fresh milk without having to depend on daily purchases from local shops.

As the animals continued reproducing, Simon gradually expanded his operations. He also began selling excess milk to neighbours, turning what was initially a household project into a commercial venture.

Over the years, his herd has grown to more than 100 goats, consisting mainly of German Alpine and Toggenburg breeds. He currently milks approximately 40 goats every day, producing about 80 litres of milk in the morning.

According to the report, he sells the milk at approximately KSh250 per litre, depending on market demand. This has established a reliable source of income alongside the money he earns from selling goats.

Simon also generates additional revenue by selling young and mature animals. Male kids reportedly fetch around KSh15,000, while female ones can sell for between KSh18,000 and KSh20,000. Mature goats command prices of approximately KSh25,000 to KSh30,000, depending on their breed and characteristics.

To maintain productivity, the farmer follows a feeding programme that includes lucerne, protein-rich hay and dry maize stalks. He also provides clean drinking water and mineral supplements while ensuring that the animals receive appropriate veterinary care.

He keeps records of breeding, milk production, animal identification and sales to monitor the performance of his herd. He also exchanges breeding bucks with other farmers to reduce the risk of inbreeding.

The business has helped Simon meet important family responsibilities, including paying school fees for his grandchildren. He has also managed to acquire additional land as he prepares for further expansion.

His ambition is to increase the herd to more than 200 goats, demonstrating his confidence in the potential of dairy goat farming.

Simon’s experience offers an important lesson to aspiring farmers: starting a successful agricultural business does not always require enormous capital. With proper planning, patience, good animal management and a reliable market, a small farming project can gradually grow into a sustainable source of income.

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