Three kilometers off the Eastern Bypass road, near the bustling town of Ruiru in Kiambu County, sits Tassels Dairy Farm—a model of modern dairy excellence. Visitors often call it “Israel,” thanks to its pristine structures, high-yielding pedigree cows, and the peaceful atmosphere that defines the farm.
But this success story did not happen overnight. My journey into dairy farming has been one of learning, patience, and persistence.
🌱 Humble Beginnings
Before starting Tassels Dairy Farm, I worked as a farmhand at a dairy farm in Githunguri for two years. Those years were my foundation. I learned how to feed, milk, and care for cows—and most importantly, how to run a farm efficiently.
With savings of KSh 50,000 and a KSh 100,000 loan from Equity Bank, I took my first big leap in 2001. I bought two dairy cows and leased a small piece of land in Kiserian for KSh 10,000. It wasn’t easy, but the dream had begun.
To supplement my income, I started collecting milk from local farmers and delivering it to restaurants in Nairobi. This hustle taught me not just about milk production but also about market demand and supply chains—lessons that later shaped my business model.
💑 A Partnership Rooted in Passion
Two years later, I married Susan, who shared my love for dairy farming. She already had 11 cows, which she had been rearing with her grandfather. Together, we merged our herds—creating an 18-strong dairy farm.
However, joining the dairy industry wasn’t smooth sailing. At that time, the sector was dominated by older, more experienced farmers. We constantly sought their guidance, eager to learn and grow.
Despite our dedication, our cows’ milk production remained disappointingly low. When we consulted a veterinary officer, we discovered that most of our cows were non-pedigree (foundation stock)—meaning they lacked strong genetic traits for high milk production.
🧬 Building a Pedigree Herd
That revelation marked a turning point. We began breeding and upgrading our cows systematically using artificial insemination (AI) from pedigree bulls.
In dairy farming, improving genetics is a gradual process:
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Foundation stock → inseminated with hybrid semen = intermediary stock
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Intermediary stock → inseminated again = appendix stock
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Appendix stock → inseminated once more = pedigree cow
It takes about seven years to develop a full pedigree herd. We sold some of our old cows, invested in pedigree breeds, and carefully tracked every animal’s record—from milk yield to calving history.
Today, our herd has grown to 140 Friesian cows, with 70 lactating cows producing over 1,200 liters of milk daily. Our milk supplies several restaurants and processors in Nairobi.
🏠 Housing, Hygiene, and Feeding: The Three Pillars of Success
Proper housing and nutrition are just as important to cows as comfort and food are to humans. That belief inspired the design of our modern zero-grazing units.
“A cow’s shelter should ensure easy movement, be spacious, stress-free, and well-protected from harsh weather,”
— Muturi Njoroge, Tassels Dairy Farm.
Our barn sits on one acre—built with stone walls a meter high, topped with iron rods and corrugated iron sheets for ventilation. The floor is rough cement with a drainage system that keeps the environment clean and dry.
Above the dairy unit, we built a fodder store that holds over 10,000 bales of hay—ensuring a steady supply of feed even during droughts. Clean water is always available, and our cows enjoy a balanced diet of dry matter and nutrient-rich concentrates.
⚙️ Investing in Modern Dairy Technology
With time, we realized that efficiency and technology go hand in hand. Our latest investment is a mechanized milking parlour capable of milking 20 cows at once. The new facility also includes:
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A milk processing and packaging zone
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A laboratory for quality testing
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A display unit for value-added products like yoghurt and ghee
Beyond milk, we’ve turned farm waste into opportunity. Every week, we sell three tonnes of manure for about KSh 20,000, and we’re currently setting up a biogas plant to generate renewable energy for the farm.
🧠 Lessons from the Journey
Looking back, success in dairy farming isn’t just about owning cows. It’s about continuous learning, careful breeding, smart investment, and consistency.
As Ronald Kimitei, an expert from Egerton University, once advised:
“An animal’s performance is a result of its genetics, environment, and the interaction between the two.”
That philosophy continues to guide us. From a modest two-cow start, we’ve built a thriving dairy enterprise that supports 15 employees and serves as a training model for young, aspiring farmers.
🐮 Final Thoughts
Dairy farming is not just a business—it’s a way of life. It requires patience, passion, and perseverance. Every drop of milk tells a story of early mornings, hard work, and belief in a better tomorrow.
As I often tell young farmers:
Start small, learn fast, and never stop improving.
Because in farming — just like in life — growth comes to those who nurture it.
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