In Kenya, rabbit keeping has long been seen as a small hobby—mostly for teenage boys looking after a few rabbits in their backyard. But for Moses Mutua, it has become a powerful symbol of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Through his company Rabbit Republic, Mutua is proving that rabbit farming is not just a pastime—it’s a profitable and scalable agribusiness.
🐇 From Hobby to High-Growth Enterprise
In just three years, Rabbit Republic has transformed from a small farm into a national network of over 1,000 rabbit farmers. Every month, the company slaughters around 2,000 rabbits, processes the meat, and sells it locally and internationally.
Rabbit Republic not only buys rabbits from farmers but also trains and equips them—providing breeding does, feed, and medication. Each farmer signs a contract guaranteeing Rabbit Republic the first right to purchase their mature rabbits, ensuring both consistent supply and income stability.
This model has already attracted two major investors, who have joined forces with Mutua to expand the business. Together, they’re establishing a five-acre rabbit farm in Nairobi, building a rabbit sausage processing plant, and conducting research into the commercial potential of rabbit fur and skins—already used in the production of hats, belts, and fashion accessories.
🌍 Tapping into Global Demand
According to Mutua, the future of rabbit farming in Kenya is bright. “By mid next year, we aim to export one ton of rabbit sausages per day to the US and Europe,” he says confidently. “Our goal is to position Kenya as a key player in the global rabbit meat market.”
Rabbit meat, often referred to as the new “super meat”, is gaining global attention for being high in protein, low in fat, and environmentally sustainable. Major producers like China, Italy, Spain, and France dominate the industry — but Kenya’s potential remains largely untapped.
Mutua breaks down the numbers:
A single breeding doe can give birth up to six times a year, producing around six kits per litter. Each rabbit can reach five kilograms, selling for about Ksh 2,200. From one breeding doe, a farmer could earn up to Ksh 80,000 annually while spending roughly Ksh 100 per month on feed and medication.
“We’re making more money from rabbits than many cattle farmers,” Mutua remarks with a smile.
🌱 Humble Beginnings
Mutua’s journey to success was far from easy. Born in a semi-arid region of eastern Kenya, he grew up in a poor family of six children. After losing his father before finishing high school, his dreams of higher education faded.
To survive, he worked as a security guard, earning just Ksh 6,800 per month. But one terrifying morning in 2005 changed his life forever—armed robbers stormed the bank where he worked. Though he survived the ordeal, the experience made him rethink his life path.
“I realized I wanted more from life,” he recalls. He later studied marketing and worked in a company that sold ornamental fish. His strong sales skills earned him huge commissions—so much so that he was eventually let go for out-earning the company.
That setback didn’t stop him. Mutua started Aqua Farm Consultants, supplying fish and fingerlings. One day, during a fish delivery, he met a woman rearing rabbits. Curious, he began researching rabbit farming—a discovery that would change his career forever.
🔬 Two Years of Research and Persistence
Mutua spent two years traveling across Kenya, studying the rabbit industry and identifying challenges. During this time, he made no profit, sold his car, and moved his family into a smaller home.
“It wasn’t easy,” he admits. “But I knew I was onto something big.”
Armed with knowledge and determination, he bought six rabbits and founded Rabbit Republic. Initially, banks were hesitant to fund him, and even veterinary officers knew little about rabbits. But his persistence paid off. Today, rabbit farming is gaining recognition, research support, and a growing number of new farmers.
💡 Changing Mindsets, Creating Opportunities
Rabbit Republic now partners with universities and youth organizations to train young people and women on rabbit farming for income generation. Mutua emphasizes that rabbit farming doesn’t require large land or resources—just commitment.
“Even if you have a full-time job, you can keep a few rabbits in your backyard and earn extra income,” he says.
And to Kenya’s youth, his advice is simple yet powerful:
“Success doesn’t start with money — it starts with the mind. I had no capital, no formal education, and no connections. What I had was belief. And that made all the difference.”
🚀 The Future of Rabbit Republic
With expansion projects underway and international markets opening up, Rabbit Republic stands as a beacon of agribusiness innovation in Kenya. From humble beginnings to building a multimillion-shilling enterprise, Moses Mutua’s journey proves that vision, persistence, and purpose can transform even the smallest idea into a thriving business.
As global demand for rabbit meat continues to rise, one thing is clear—Kenya’s rabbit revolution has just begun.
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