As visitors from across the country thronged the ongoing Nairobi International Trade Fair, organised by the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) at the Jamhuri Showground in Nairobi, one dairy exhibitor stood out from the rest.
Naivasha-based Tassells Farm Limited stole the spotlight with its Friesian Holstein cow, which was crowned this year’s supreme champion.
A gigantic cow with the classic black-and-white colour patches, a long face, upright ears, and a straight back, the animal left attendees in awe.
The proud owner, Mr Muturi Njoroge, the founder of Tassells Farm, was all smiles as his prized cow received recognition.
But what shocked many was not just the title — it was Muturi’s outright rejection of a lump sum purchase offer for the animal.
“I cannot sell it. That is far below its true value. Why should I sell now when this cow can give me calves that will fetch even higher prices?” posed the farmer.
So, what offer would tempt him?
“Even if I am given Sh10 million for this Supreme Champion cow, I cannot accept it. I want to leave behind a legacy in my farm and breed cows that will surpass even this one in value,” he answered in an interview.
Mr Muturi revealed that the cow has been officially registered with the Kenya Stud Book and even has a national identification card, having proven ease of calving.
Tassells Farm Limited founder, Muturi Njoroge, with his Holstein Friesian, which was recognised as the Supreme Champion at the Nairobi International Trade Fair on October 3, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
This means the Friesian Holstein was accredited by the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC) from the time it was a calf. As a result, the farmer reserves the right to set its selling price at any figure he wishes.
Weighing 503 kilos, the cow has an impressive track record, having won several championship titles at previous ASK shows before it even calved.
“It has consistently produced the best calves in terms of weight and quality with no deformities, no genetic errors, and no disorders. It is purely a superior breed,” explained Mr Muturi, who ventured into dairy farming in 2004.
At this year’s Nairobi ASK Show, a panel of independent judges crowned his cow the supreme champion after it met all the ideal characteristics of a dairy cow.
The judges considered various aspects, including physical appearance, genetics, behaviour, temperament, milk production, and overall health.
A highly coveted dairy cow must be lean yet strong, with well-developed udders, fertility, disease resistance, longevity, calm temperament, and strong legs for grazing. It must also demonstrate high feed-to-milk conversion efficiency — balancing productivity with adaptability.
Mr Muturi had three champions competing in different categories, but the five-year-old cow emerged as the star and was recognised as the senior cow in milk production.
Produces 56 litres of milk per day
The 2025 Nairobi International Trade Fair, held under the theme “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth”, provided the perfect stage for his success.
The event, officially opened by President William Ruto, began on Monday and concludes on Sunday.
Tassels Farm Ltd, a family-run business, is now basking in glory. Mr Muturi told the Nation that his supreme champion cow produces an average of 56 litres of milk per day — translating to about 16,700 litres per lactation.
Tassells Farm Limited founder, Muturi Njoroge, with his Holstein Friesian, which was recognised as the Supreme Champion at the Nairobi International Trade Fair on October 3, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
“It is in its prime stage and doing optimum milk production. This recognition is the highest honour for any breeder because it scientifically proves the lineage of the cow and allows propagation of its genetics,” he said proudly.
Specialising in hybrid Friesian Holstein breeds, Mr Muturi is deeply invested in animal science, which he credits for his success.
“Breeding, feeding, water, nutrition, management, disease prevention, and pandemic control — I take all these very seriously,” he emphasised.
Armed with a degree in animal health from Israel, Mr Muturi draws many lessons from the Middle Eastern country’s advanced dairy industry.
“What makes Israel outstanding in dairy farming is their proactive engagement in animal management. Farmers there do not wait for cows to fall sick. They prioritise precautionary measures — proper feeding, regular vaccination, health monitoring, and hygiene,” he explained.
His journey in dairy farming began with just four cows, which he bought for Sh180,000 in total. Though he did not reveal the exact number of animals he owns at the moment, he hinted at significant growth.
“A farm that produces a supreme champion cannot be small. It is medium-scale, and we are projecting to expand into an agro-industrial farm soon,” he noted.
Tassells Farm Limited founder, Muturi Njoroge, with his Holstein Friesian, which was recognised as the Supreme Champion at the Nairobi International Trade Fair on October 3, 2025.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
“After returning from Israel, I created a foundation stock. I have been serving my cows with high-quality hybrid semen, which over time produced appendix, intermediary, and eventually pedigree-level animals,” he explained.
Still, the growth has not been without challenges. Genetic disorders and livestock diseases have posed hurdles. Mr Muturi recalled an incident where he lost 18 cows to East Coast Fever (ECF).
However, he managed to overcome such setbacks by focusing on preventive measures rather than reactive treatments, while also enforcing strict biosecurity protocols.
Another challenge has been scaling up in a sector that still struggles with formal recognition. He lamented that it remains difficult for small and medium-scale farmers to access credit from financial institutions, as most lack proper agribusiness loan structures.
Currently, Mr Muturi sells milk at Sh45 per litre at the farm gate, with much of it supplied through milk ATMs across the country.
For now, however, he insists that his supreme champion cow is priceless. Not even Sh10 million can buy the legacy he envisions for his farm.
