Wall Street Pro Turns to Dorper Sheep Farming in Kenya

Having served as a financial auditor on Wall Street for 14 years, James Kahiga pursued a life of greater meaning and fulfillment.

This quest led him back to his Kenyan roots, where he embarked on a new venture: Dorper sheep farming. The transition was not merely a career change for Kahiga as it represented a profound shift in lifestyle and values. In 2008, he married Beth Ann, who ran a non-profit organization. The couple soon realized that their high-pressure American lifestyle was taking a toll on their well-being. Driven by a desire for tranquillity and a sense of purpose, they set their sights on Kenya. Kahiga’s decision to pursue sheep farming was rooted in his childhood experiences.

At the age of 14, he purchased three sheep, a venture that ultimately failed but imparted valuable lessons about investment and the challenges of agriculture. Initially considering goat farming due to its popularity, Kahiga ultimately chose to focus on Dorper sheep. This breed, developed in South Africa during the 1940s and 1950s, is renowned for its exceptional meat quality, rapid growth, disease resistance, and low-fat content. To prepare for this new endeavour, Kahiga invested heavily in education and hands-on experience. He enrolled in academic programs at Michigan and Oklahoma State Universities, volunteered on Dorper sheep farms, and conducted extensive research on zero grazing practices, vaccinations, and animal husbandry.

This comprehensive approach to learning reflected Kahiga’s commitment to innovation and sustainable practices in agriculture. One of the primary challenges Kahiga faced was managing a sheep farm in Kenya while still residing in the United States. To overcome this obstacle, he made frequent trips to Kenya where he established Capri Dorper Farm in the Kasuku region of Nyandarua County. Starting with an initial purchase of ten sheep and hiring a farmhand, Kahiga quickly learned the importance of direct involvement in farm operations.

Today, Capri Dorper Farm has grown significantly, boasting a flock of 150 purebred and crossbred Dorper sheep. The farm operates on a zero-grazing model, with the sheep fed a diet of maize silage produced on-site and supplemented with concentrates tailored to their nutritional needs. This approach not only ensures optimal health and growth for the animals but also demonstrates Kahiga’s innovative spirit in managing costs and resources effectively. The Kahigas have positioned themselves to meet the growing demand for Dorper sheep meat in Kenya, offering high-quality South African Dorper sheep at competitive prices.

Their commitment extends beyond their own farm as they support other sheep farmers in Nyandarua by promoting educational visits to Capri Dorper Farm. These visits provide valuable insights into effective management practices, vaccination protocols, and overall animal health. Furthermore, the Kahigas collaborate with animal health consultants to strengthen their approach to livestock management. Their dedication to maintaining high health and safety standards is evident in their thorough approach to investigating any unexplained sheep deaths, including detailed examinations at the Ministry of Livestock lab in Nakuru.