Pig farming in Kiambu County is experiencing a remarkable transformation, fostering local economy and renewed hope to thousands of farmers in the county.

Once seen as a small-scale, low-income venture, pig farming is now emerging as a key driver of agricultural development and youth employment in the area.

At the centre of this agricultural revolution is a county-backed piglet donation initiative that is helping hundreds of young people build thriving agribusinesses from the ground up.

Launched in 2024, the Kiambu Youth in Agribusiness Programme has already distributed over 3,000 high-quality piglets to youth groups and individual farmers across the county. The initiative, led by the county department of agriculture and livestock, which aims to create gainful employment and promote self-reliance among youth.

“When I received my first two piglets from the county, I was unemployed and frustrated,” says 27-year-old James Mwangi from Githunguri. “Today, I have 25 pigs and have already sold more than 15 to local butcheries and hotels. Pig farming gave me a second chance,” he explained.

James is one of many young farmers turning pig farming into a profitable enterprise. With proper training in pig husbandry, feeding and disease management, offered alongside the donations by the department of agriculture, youth are now becoming key players in the pork value chain.

According to County Agriculture Executive Benson Njoroge, the programme is not just about handing out piglets, but also building a long-term foundation for agricultural success.

“We’ve paired the piglet distribution with regular training sessions, veterinary support, and market linkages. Our goal is to make agribusiness attractive and viable for our young people,” he said.

Pig production in Kiambu has risen sharply, with the county reporting a 50 per cent increase in pork supply since 2023. This surge has had a ripple effect on local economy – from increased demand for animal feeds to new slaughter houses and meat processing enterprises.

The success of the programme has also encouraged youth to form groups and cooperatives, such as the Kiambu Pig Farmers Cooperative, which helps members pool resources, access credit and negotiate better prices for their products.

“Through our cooperative, we’re able to buy feeds in bulk and share transport to markets in Nairobi,” said 24-year-old Peter Ndungu, a founding member. “We’re no longer just job seekers, we’re business owners,” Ndung’u explained.

The county government plans to expand the piglet donation programme to reach an additional 1,500 youth by the end of 2025. Discussions are also underway to establish a youth-owned pork processing plant in Ruiru to help farmers move further up the value chain.

As Kiambu County continues to modernise its agricultural sector, pig farming stands out as a model of rural success offering lessons for the rest of the country and proving that, with the right support, farming can be both profitable and life-changing, county officials say.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Grace Naishoo

Eight months after receiving free piglets from the Country government, some beneficiaries from Mang’u Ward in Gatundu North are showcasing their mature sows that have already given birth to between eight and nine piglets.