Dorcas Rigathi Visits Innovative Githunguri Dairy Farm

Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, wife of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, toured the well-known DY Dairy Farm in Githunguri to learn about modern dairy farming techniques. The significant visit was organized by Njenga Mabati, an attorney and candidate for Githunguri Constituency representing the DCP party. DY Farm, considered one of the most productive in the area, demonstrated innovative methods that elevate small-scale dairy farming into a profitable enterprise. While on the tour, Pastor Dorcas praised the farm’s efficiency, remarking in astonishment that 75 dairy cows are maintained on merely half an acre of land while yielding more than 2,000 litres of milk per day. This is evident proof that with proper knowledge, technology, and management, agriculture can be both sustainable and lucrative,’ she stated. The group was guided through various innovations that have established DY Farm as a model for modern dairy farming in Central Kenya and beyond, particularly in automated milking systems using advanced technology to enhance efficiency and substantially lower labor expenses. The visitors were shown silage production and storage methods, observing large-scale silage preparation with capacity to store feed from more than 100 acres of maize, and digital record-keeping systems that provide a comprehensive approach to breeding, production tracking, and herd management to ensure precision farming. The visitors also learned about cost and human resource management, where the farm combines financial discipline with organized workforce management to maximize productivity. Disease control and calf rearing are areas receiving strong attention, with the farm emphasizing animal health and sustainable breeding practices through renewable energy use, including solar power and biogas systems that reduce operational costs while supporting environmental sustainability. The delegation was also instructed on data-driven farming, where automated data entry and analytics facilitate timely and informed decision-making. The tour concluded with a farm-to-table meal at the venue, where participants exchanged ideas on expanding dairy farming practices throughout the region. In her closing statements, Pastor Dorcas invited farmers from Githunguri to visit her agricultural projects in Wamunyoro Village, Mathira Constituency, for additional knowledge exchange and collaboration. Host Njenga Mabati took the opportunity to reaffirm his dedication to advancing agriculture in Githunguri, especially dairy farming, which continues to be the foundation of the local economy. He promised to advocate for policies ensuring minimum returns for farmers’ products, addressing ongoing issues like unstable milk prices, high production expenses, and costly animal feed. I am dedicated to making sure our farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts. Agriculture is not merely an economic activity hereit is a way of life,’ he declared. Mabati, who is increasing his campaign for the Githunguri parliamentary seat in the 2027 general election, presented a broader agenda centered on economic empowerment for smallholder farmers, women, and youth groups. He portrayed himself as a ‘leader of action,’ supporting practical solutions, enhanced agricultural infrastructure, and market stability. DY Farm remains a focal point as a training center for farmers throughout East Africa, strengthening Githunguri’s status as a premier dairy farming area in Kenya. Pastor Dorcas Rigathi’s visit highlights increasing interest in modern farming methods and partnerships between leaders and farmers to promote food security and economic growth. As the 2027 political environment develops, such interactions emphasize the crucial role agriculture will have in influencing both policy and livelihoods in the area.