Brian Maina’s remarkable journey to farming success

When exactly did you begin this journey?

I started the project in October of 2024.

What made you start pig farming?

It all started with the need to have proper waste management from the greenhouse in the family farm. We had a system that produced a lot of organic waste, and I did not want it to go to waste. That was when I thought about pigs. They could help manage the waste and, at the same time, give me an income source.

How did you raise the capital to start?

Fortunately, this is a family farm, so I already had structures in place such as the pens and some of the basic facilities. That really reduced my costs. My main expenses were just buying the pigs and feeds which cost approximately Sh17,000. I fetched the money from the sales profits I made and saved in the food catering business I have. It was different from someone starting from scratch who would need to build everything.

Did you employ anyone to help with the work?

At the beginning, yes. I had hired someone mainly to handle cleaning, while I did the feeding. But over time, I realized I wanted to be more hands-on, so I let him go. Right now, I am fully in it myself. It is not an easy task, however, it helps me understand my pigs better and manage them closely.

Have you started making money from the farm?

Not yet. The first year is more about investment and growth. But I am looking forward to the next two months when I will start selling piglets and also get my first batch of pigs ready for slaughter. That is when I will finally start seeing returns.

Did you begin with mature pigs or piglets?

Piglets. I started with just three piglets, about two months old.

And how many pigs do you have now?

Right now, they have multiplied to 36; 3 sows and the rest more than 30 pigs. It is amazing how fast pigs can grow when managed well.

Feeding is a big part of pig farming. What does your system look like?

In my business plan, the first year was to buy ready-made feeds. After the first year, I plan to start processing my own feeds such as maize jam to cut costs and have more control over nutrition. At the moment, the sows are on sow and weaner feed, piglets are on creep feeds, maize jam and the meat batch is on grower feeds. Feeds take up the biggest part of my budget, but it’s necessary for growth and good results.

Pigs are known to be prone to diseases. How do you deal with that risk on your farm?

That is true, pigs can fall sick very easily, and it can wipe out a lot of progress if you are not careful. I have learned the importance of proper hygiene and vaccination. I clean the pens daily, ensure they are dry, and I keep the pigs on a strict vaccination and deworming schedule. I also try to catch any signs of sickness early. Even with that, I had one so that fell ill, and treating her cost me over Sh8,000. It was painful, but it taught me to always be prepared with both knowledge and a budget for animal health.

Would you say technology has made pig farming easier for you?

Absolutely. Without access to online resources, I think the learning curve would have been much steeper. Technology gives me quick solutions, whether it’s understanding a disease symptom or choosing the right feed.

Who do you see as your top customers?

I am targeting local butcheries, restaurants, and eventually households that want fresh pork.

What inspired you to go into pig farming?

My uncle is my biggest inspiration. He has been successful in farming, and he has been mentoring me from the start. Watching him work and seeing his results gave me the confidence to start. Without him, I probably would not have had the courage to make this leap.

What is your vision in pig farming?

My goal is to scale up gradually, start producing my own feeds to cut costs, and eventually become a reliable supplier of quality pork. I want to build it into a sustainable agribusiness.