The 24-Year-Old Who Built a Modern Dairy Enterprise From a Pandemic Pivot
In the central region of Kenya, at Kiambaa in Githunguri, Kiambu County, Young Don Farm stands as a notable example of how young people are creating successful businesses through agriculture.
The farm is owned and managed by Kelvin Gitau, a young 24 year old dairy farmer whose journey reflects determination, discipline, and long-term vision. Through dairy farming, Kelvin has transformed his passion into a profitable venture while also creating employment opportunities within his community.
Kelvin explains that his interest in agriculture began at an early age. He was raised on a family farm where his father practiced dairy farming with only four cows. Through the income generated from milk sales, his father managed to educate his children and support the family. Watching this experience, it inspired Kevin to think beyond subsistence farming. He developed a goal of building a larger and more modern dairy enterprise in the future.
Although Kelvin studied Accounts and Finance at university, his journey into agribusiness started during the COVID-19 period when learning shifted online. With more free time at home, he decided to venture into farming. He first planted coriander, and from the profits earned, he purchased two in-calf heifers. This became the foundation of his dairy farming business. Having grown up in a farming environment, he already understood basic livestock management, which helped him grow the business steadily.
Kelvin describes dairy farming as a demanding but rewarding enterprise. His day begins at 5:00 a.m. with the first milking session. At Young Don Farm, cows are milked three times a day that is; morning, afternoon, and evening. He believes a farmer must be actively involved during milking to ensure quality control and proper handling of milk before delivery to the dairy cooperative.
According to Kelvin, success in dairy farming depends heavily on production targets and proper management. He explains that higher milk production translates to better income. At Young Don Farm, the 20 cows currently produce between 450 and 500 litres of milk daily. Morning production averages around 200 litres, afternoon production about 150 litres, and evening 100 litres. On average, one cow produces about 25 litres of milk per day.
To maintain good milk production, Kelvin emphasizes the importance of animal comfort and nutrition. He explains that healthy, rested, and stress-free cows produce more milk. At his farm, the cows mainly feed on Napier grass, supplemented with concentrates such as maize germ, dairy meal, and bran, mineral supplements such as salt are also provided regularly. He estimates that a dairy cow consumes between 8 and 13 kilograms of feed daily, depending on its size and production level. He encourages farmers to adopt alternative feed options and feed substitutes to reduce the rising cost of commercial livestock feeds.
Kelvin acknowledges the role played by dairy companies and cooperatives in supporting farmers. He specifically notes that Fresha Company has helped many dairy farmers in Githunguri by purchasing milk directly from farmers and supplying quality animal feed. Such partnerships, he says, have strengthened the dairy sector and encouraged more young people to join farming. Currently, milk sells at about Ksh50/= per litre, which Kelvin considers fair because it allows him to cover operational expenses and still make profit. He also points out that dairy farming provides financial security, noting that dairy cows are valuable assets that can help farmers access loans through cooperative societies.
Kelvin mentions that technology has also played a major role in the growth of Young Don Farm. He explains that digital tools and social media platforms have helped him monitor farm operations, market his business, and connect with customers and other farmers. Through consistent online engagement, he has managed to build an audience that has contributed to the visibility and expansion of his business.
Kelvin encourages young people to consider agriculture as a serious business opportunity. However, he advises that individuals should first seek knowledge and understand the industry before investing. He recommends starting small, being strategic, and growing gradually with clear goals in mind. For beginners interested in dairy farming, he suggests starting with in-calf heifers because they begin generating income within a few months after calving.
Young Don Farm has employed six workers, four permanent employees and two casuals. Kelvin’s immediate target is to increase production to 1,000 litres of milk per day by the end of the year. In the next five years, he hopes to establish one of Kenya’s largest dairy farms with a daily production target of 10,000 litres.
Dairy farming continues to play an important socio-economic role across Africa. The sector creates employment, supports household incomes, strengthens rural economies, and contributes to food security. It also offers opportunities for youth entrepreneurship, agribusiness innovation, and value addition through milk processing and distribution. Kelvin Gitau’s story proves that with knowledge, consistency, and proper management, agriculture can become a sustainable source of income and a driver of economic transformation for many young Africans.