The fact that former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta is a proud farmer who raises over 1,000 exotic animals is something that very few people would ever imagine.The former president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, is well-known for his real estate holdings across the nation and his entrepreneurial endeavours.
On the other hand, not much is known about his love of farming and agriculture.One of his most valued agricultural holdings is the expansive 4,000-acre Gicheha Farm in Nakuru, which is home to beef cattle.WoK explores the intricacies of this undiscovered gem, illuminating Uhuru Kenyatta's commitment to farming and his passion for cattle.
The Gicheha farm is situated in the Rongai sub-county, a short distance from the Eldoret-Nakuru road.According to reports, the 4,000-acre farm is home to over a thousand animals, most of which are imported beef cattle from South Africa, the continent's top producer of beef.
The ranch is home to several breeds of beef that are primarily imported from Uganda and South Africa. As a descendant of the Kenyatta family, Uhuru has a stake in banking, raising cattle, processing milk, transportation, and hospitality. Breeds raised here include the Ugandan Ankole, Brangus, Charolais, Hereford, and Brahman.
According to what farm manager David Njoroge previously told journalists for The Nation, the president is so devoted to the beef cattle that he stops by almost every area of the farm to look over the herd and ask questions.
Whether arriving by car or foot, all guests must sanitise themselves before entering the farm. While cars are driven through a tyre bath, people are forced to walk through a foot bath.
According to Njoroge, raising cattle on a large scale is a costly endeavour that needs to be closely monitored to prevent illnesses from ruining the operation.The farm has a veterinary officer on staff who keeps an eye on the bulls around-the-clock to make sure the animals are healthy.
The former president has a deep affection for beef cattle. Every time he visits, we hop in a pickup truck and tour almost every area of the farm, examining the herd and asking questions as he tries to find out how each animal is doing. The cattle were skilled grazers who travelled great distances throughout the farm in search of pasture. Compared to other commercial beef, Ankoles have lower cholesterol and a moderate level of disease resistance.
42 Boer goats were purchased by the farm from South Africa in 2018. Goat milk prices range from KSh 150 to KSh 300 per litre, depending on supply and demand.
Each Boer goat has the capacity to yield up to three kilogrammes of milk per day, according to the Animal Genetics Training Resource (AGTR). They have a remarkable resistance to illnesses like prussic acid poisoning and blue tongue. In addition, the farm raises more than 200 meat-producing Dorper sheep and Galla goats.The farm employs more than thirty people, and a veterinary officer keeps a round-the-clock eye on the animals.
When they reach a weight of between 450 and 500 kg, the animals that are fed Boma Rhodes produced on the farm are sold in the neighbourhood market. Every animal has a file containing information about its breed, weight, date of birth, and medical history. They receive frequent vaccinations to guarantee they are disease-free.