• About Us
  • Archives
  • SWG Registration
Samrack Media
Mahiga Homes
  • Home
  • ALL NEWS
  • Diaspora
  • Africa
    • AFRICA
    • KENYA
  • BUSINESS
    • BUSINESS
    • INVESTMENTS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECHNOLOGY
  • Politics
  • Health
    • HEALTH
    • EDUCATION
  • Religion
  • People
    • PEOPLE
    • LIFESTYLE
    • RELATIONSHIPS
  • Obituaries
  • Videos
  • Events
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • ALL NEWS
  • Diaspora
  • Africa
    • AFRICA
    • KENYA
  • BUSINESS
    • BUSINESS
    • INVESTMENTS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECHNOLOGY
  • Politics
  • Health
    • HEALTH
    • EDUCATION
  • Religion
  • People
    • PEOPLE
    • LIFESTYLE
    • RELATIONSHIPS
  • Obituaries
  • Videos
  • Events
No Result
View All Result
Samrack Media
No Result
View All Result

Camel milk is a healthy investment

samrack by samrack
January 21, 2018
in Business, Diaspora, Kenya, Kenya Diaspora News, News, Politics, U.S Diaspora
A A
0
Camel milk is a healthy investment
Share this
FacebookTwitterPinterestEmailWhatsAppLinkedIn
Halima Haji sips camel milk from her herd in the background in her leased land in Nanyuki, Laikipia County. Camel milk is said to be high in insulin which makes it suitable for diabetics, people suffering from arthritis and lactose intolerant children, among others. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NMG 

Camel milk is a healthy investment

In the light morning breeze, camels stick their heads out of acacia trees. Close by are calves separated from their mothers in an enclosure made of acacia branches.

The Seeds of Gold team is in Karionga village, a few kilometres from Nanyuki town, Laikipia County, to meet Halima Haji.

The 78-year-old woman rears camels for milk.

Her herd contains 62 dromedary camels which produce a maximum of between six to eight litres of milk each daily and four litres during the dry season.

“That one is from Turkana, the other is Pakistan and a majority of them are Somali,” Halima tells us as she takes us around the farm.

In a good month she can earn a Sh1.2 million selling the milk at Sh80 per litre locally. The milk price can go up to sh100 to Sh150 in supermarkets.

As we let the amount sink, Halima is already telling us how spot the different breeds based on height, shape and skin colour.

“The Turkana one is shorter and has a dark brownish colour while the Somali one is white and tall with the males having a broader face. I do not keep much of Pakistan camels because they are nomadic and easily get lost,” said Halima.

Halima started out with only six camels which she bought in Isiolo County at Sh15,000. Currently, one camel sells at between Sh150,000 and Sh200,000.

“I was interested in rearing the camels after learning of the health benefits of their milk,” she said.

Every morning before 8am when she visits the farm she has leased to graze the camels, she drinks three glasses of the raw milk.

Camel milk is said to be high in insulin which makes it suitable for diabetics, people suffering from arthritis and lactose intolerant children, among others.

Her daughters who have accompanied their mother to the grazing fields say camels are her true love.

“You have really made her day by coming here, she is very happy now,” said ZamZam Haji, Halima’s youngest daughter.

LESS FOOD AND WATER

The animals’ productivity largely depends on the seasons such that during the dry season the milk production per animal goes down compared to days rains are heavy and consistent.

Currently, the vegetation that germinated following the rains experienced in the last quarter of last year is diminishing and this is the worst season for the herders.

Halima's employees milk the camels in the establishment. In a good month she can earn a Sh1.2 million selling the milk at Sh80 per litre locally.

Halima’s employees milk the camels in the establishment. In a good month she can earn a Sh1.2 million selling the milk at Sh80 per litre locally. The milk price can go up to sh100 to Sh150 in supermarkets. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NMG

She hoping the dry spell will be assuaged semi-zero grazing system.

“The camels will definitely go out in the field to graze but I am planning that come back and graze somewhere together,” she said.

Halima is currently stocking up feeds for the animals to counteract the imminent drought as the weatherman predicts rains will begin in April.

The animals are going to be fed with bran and seed cake which will ensure they continue being productive despite the drought.

“We want the government to come up with a directive that will see companies manufacture feeds for camels just like there is for cattle and poultry,” said Halima.

Camels are replacing cows and goats in the pastoralist communities as choice livestock as the country continues to grapple with the vagaries of climate change.

According to Halima, camels can do with less food and water compared to livestock.

In her herd she has one male dromedary camel that helps in reproduction.

She said land shortage is the main hindrance to camel farming.

For instance she has leased a 300-acre piece of land to graze her camels at Sh20,000 per month.

They also rely on neighbours who partitions part of their land to allow the camels to graze at a fee of Sh500 per month.

Halima has previously had a herd of over 200 camels but lost a number to drought that took a toll on both humans and animals countrywide last year and to diseases.

REAR CAMELS FOR MILK

She has employed three men who take care of the animals and milk them.

“I only allow them to milk the camels once per day in the morning, the rest of the day the calves are left to feed,” she said.

Halima drinks camel milk that she gets from her livestock in the background.

Halima drinks camel milk that she gets from her livestock in the background. Camels are not only used for milk. They also provide leather and meat products. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NMG

John Oguk, an expert in camel farming, said the common diseases that affect camels are foot and mouth, lumpy skin disease and mastitis.

Dr Oguk says a camel’s hump consists of stored fat which the animal metabolises when food and water are scarce.
“When the camels use their stored fat in the hump, it will diminish but will refill once they eat or drink again,” said Dr Oguk.

Halima said she collaborates with the veterinary doctors in the county to ensure her animals are all well vaccinated and free of diseases.

Besides liaising with the county vets, she also ensures her camels are bathed with pesticides that ensure they are free of ticks and other harmful flies.

She sells her milk to WhiteGold milk processing company that pasteurises and packages the milk in Nanyuki.

The company that was opened last year buys milk from pastoralist communities as far as Isiolo, Marsabit and Wajir counties. It is seeking a to reach Mandera County this year.

Camels are not only used for milk. They also leather and meat products.

“We have used the camels for transport for long but I think it is time we used them to turn in a profit,” she said.
Halima is looking to bring women together to rear camel for milk.

Source: Daily Nation

 

Tags: Camel milk is a healthy investment
Previous Post

The untold stories of Kenyatta’s private Bamburi posh residence

Next Post

Sterling K. Brown becomes First Black actor to win “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series” at 2018 #SAGAwards | Full List of Winners

Related Posts

Paul Rusesabagina's daughter tweeted a photo of him smiling.
Africa

Hotel Rwanda hero and government critic arrives in US

March 31, 2023
Transition/Death Announcement of Esther Wangui Kahare who was mother to; Catherine Wamuti & grandMa to Esther Njeri all of Holy Trinity Anglican Church Family – in Auburn MA – Worcester City
Diaspora

Transition/Death Announcement of Esther Wangui Kahare who was mother to; Catherine Wamuti & grandMa to Esther Njeri all of Holy Trinity Anglican Church Family – in Auburn MA – Worcester City

March 29, 2023
SeedTime and Harvest Bible Church Conference  3/31/2023 to 4/02/2023 with Prophetess Mwaka Twagirayesu Host Apostle Pacific Zagabe

SeedTime and Harvest Bible Church Conference 3/31/2023 to 4/02/2023 with Prophetess Mwaka Twagirayesu Host Apostle Pacific Zagabe

March 29, 2023
There was media hype for GEORGE FLOYD in Kenya 🇰🇪 but none for IRVO OTIENO ~ Evangelist JUDY OYUYO
Diaspora

There was media hype for GEORGE FLOYD in Kenya 🇰🇪 but none for IRVO OTIENO ~ Evangelist JUDY OYUYO

March 28, 2023
A collage of IG Japhet Koome and the late Jeff Mwathi.

Kasarani Death Puzzles: Police Give Way Forward on Jeff Mwathi Case

March 26, 2023
A photo collage of Police Inspector General Japhet Koome (left) and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga (right).FILE
Africa

IG Koome Addresses Concerns by Kenyans Ahead of Azimio Protests

March 26, 2023
Next Post
Sterling K. Brown becomes First Black actor to win “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series” at 2018 #SAGAwards | Full List of Winners

Sterling K. Brown becomes First Black actor to win “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series” at 2018 #SAGAwards | Full List of Winners

Please login to join discussion
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Royal Gardens Ngong Royal Gardens Ngong Royal Gardens Ngong
ADVERTISEMENT
KIBS VILLA HOMES:(ABNB) Relax into Luxury: Monthly ABNB rates are negotiable Call:508-479-1517 / 254714428680 KIBS VILLA HOMES:(ABNB) Relax into Luxury: Monthly ABNB rates are negotiable Call:508-479-1517 / 254714428680 KIBS VILLA HOMES:(ABNB) Relax into Luxury: Monthly ABNB rates are negotiable Call:508-479-1517 / 254714428680
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest News

Hotel Rwanda hero and government critic arrives in US

Transition/Death Announcement of Esther Wangui Kahare who was mother to; Catherine Wamuti & grandMa to Esther Njeri all of Holy Trinity Anglican Church Family – in Auburn MA – Worcester City

SeedTime and Harvest Bible Church Conference 3/31/2023 to 4/02/2023 with Prophetess Mwaka Twagirayesu Host Apostle Pacific Zagabe

There was media hype for GEORGE FLOYD in Kenya 🇰🇪 but none for IRVO OTIENO ~ Evangelist JUDY OYUYO

Kasarani Death Puzzles: Police Give Way Forward on Jeff Mwathi Case

IG Koome Addresses Concerns by Kenyans Ahead of Azimio Protests

Ruto Heads to Germany and Belgium for Energy, Trade Deals

USCIS Says Individuals on Business or Tourist Visas Can Apply for New Jobs

US-Based Kenyan Author Dies After Falling from an Apartment’s Fourth Floor

Kenyan Woman Linda Obinchu Found Dead in Gaithersburg Maryland

We are grateful for your monthly or one-off donations To Samrack Media: Cash App No: 781-888-8770 $SAMRACK001

Money

New Digital Skills Helps Unemployed Kenyan Youth Earn In Cryptocurrency

New Digital Skills Helps Unemployed Kenyan Youth Earn In Cryptocurrency

by samrack
November 19, 2021
0

New Digital Skills Helps Unemployed Kenyan Youth Earn In Cryptocurrency This week sees the launch of a new initiative to equip...

A simple guide to Government Bonds investing in Kenya

A simple guide to Government Bonds investing in Kenya

by samrack
September 17, 2021
0

A simple guide to Government Bonds investing in Kenya A treasury bond (T-bond) is a medium term to long term...

Politics

Paul Rusesabagina's daughter tweeted a photo of him smiling.

Hotel Rwanda hero and government critic arrives in US

by samrack
March 31, 2023
0

Hotel Rwanda hero and government critic arrives in US Paul Rusesabagina, an outspoken critic of the Rwandan government, has arrived...

Kisumu residents stage protests over high cost of living in Kisumu on March 10. Image: DANIEL OGENDO

[PHOTOS] Dramatic scenes during Kisumu demonstrations

by samrack
March 10, 2023
0

Dramatic scenes during Kisumu demonstrations The protesters are seen negotiating with police to allow them to demonstrate. They held...

  • About Us
  • Archives
  • SWG Registration

© 2023 SAMRACK - Diaspora News & Updates; design by: Samrack.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • ALL NEWS
  • Diaspora
  • Africa
    • AFRICA
    • KENYA
  • BUSINESS
    • BUSINESS
    • INVESTMENTS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECHNOLOGY
  • Politics
  • Health
    • HEALTH
    • EDUCATION
  • Religion
  • People
    • PEOPLE
    • LIFESTYLE
    • RELATIONSHIPS
  • Obituaries
  • Videos
  • Events

© 2023 SAMRACK - Diaspora News & Updates; design by: Samrack.

Page generated in 1.012 seconds. Stats plugin by www.blog.ca