Isaac Kosgei is one of young Kenyan farmers who have revolutionised agribusiness by employing smart farming techniques.
On Monday, April 10, Kenyans were amazed to learn that his company Kibois Breeders Limited had imported two sheep worth Ksh200,000 each.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke Kosgei explained that the sheep breed was Dorper T5 and that he was among few Kenyans in the country to have the rare breed.
“We imported two rams which cost our company Kibois Breeders Ksh400,000 in what we deem as a wise investment,” he told Kenyans.co.ke.
On why they spent such a huge sum, he explained, “A ram is half the flock. One Ram can alter 50 per cent of your flock's genetics in one season.”
The benefits of Dorper T5 according to Kibois Breeders include;
Long Breeding Season
Kosgei revealed that Dorper T5 rams had a long breeding season making it profitable for farmers.
“One ram is able to breed 300-400 ewes in one year and since they are fertile, most of them reproduce twins.
“A ram can breed for five seasons. To prevent inbreeding, we exchange the rams with other farmers every breeding season,” he explained.
Returns
Kibois Breeders revealed that it only takes a few months for farmers to get back value for their money.
“The Ksh200,000 initial capital should not scare farmers as you can easily recoup that money.
“With the Dopher T5 breeding around 400 ewes per year, you will be able to sell 150 rams at Ksh40,000 each and 100 ewes at Ksh20,000 each and still be left with some for posterity,” the company told Kenyans.co.ke.
Meat production
The Dorper breed is well known for its mutton production. Kosgei told Kenyans.co.ke that the sheep gain an average of 10 kilograms every month.
He though warned Kenyans who are seeking to import the sheep to make sure they do their due diligence.
“Make sure you pick hormonally balanced, fast-maturing animals that are adapted to the environment and capable of enhancing ecosystem function,” he advised farmers.
On how farmers can get their own Dorper T5
Kosgei explained that his company does importation and selling of the Dorper sheep breed. For instance, he explained that they had imported 28 Dorper T5 sheep for various farmers countrywide.
“Kibois Breeders is a company based in Kombe area in Nandi, North Rift region that specialises in breeding and marketing Dorper sheep, a hardy and adaptable breed of sheep known for its high-quality meat and skin.
“We also offer a range of services such as breeding, training and consulting and construction of sheep structures,” he explained.
On why they started the company, he revealed, “We are a youth-led agribusiness company on a mission to empower more youth to join agriculture and make a living out of it.”
Apart from selling Dorper sheep, Kosgei added that the company also rears Galla goats for sale.
“The Galla goats are a very popular breed of goat and we encourage farmers to embrace them due to the rising market demand.
“Many Middle Easter countries are now coming to Kenya in search of Galla goats and Dorber sheep. For the goats we sell at Ksh20,000 for a buck (male) and Ksh15,000 for a doe (female),” he explained.
