Where to Buy Dorper Sheep in Kenya

Dorper sheep farming is a lucrative venture in Kenya, thanks to the breed’s adaptability, rapid growth, and high demand for meat. Whether you’re a beginner or expanding your flock, sourcing healthy, high-quality Dorper sheep is critical.

Below is a breakdown of trusted suppliers, markets, and tips for purchasing Dorper sheep in Kenya.

1. Government Research Institutions

Kenya’s agricultural research centers provide certified, disease-free breeding stock with proven genetics.

Key Government Breeding Farms Selling Dorper Sheep

Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) – Naivasha

Location: Naivasha, Nakuru County
Contact: +254 20 218 6285 / +254 722 206 986
Website: www.kalro.org

Why buy from KALRO?

KALRO Naivasha has one of the best breeding programs in Kenya.
They offer purebred Dorper sheep with verified lineage.
Farmers receive training on sheep farming when purchasing.

Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC)

Location: Kabete, Nairobi
Contact: +254 20 267 9968
Website: www.kagrc.co.ke

Why buy from KAGRC?

Provides high-quality breeding stock with genetic improvements.
Supplies Dorper semen and embryos for artificial insemination programs.
Government-certified, ensuring disease-free and healthy animals.

Egerton University – Njoro Livestock Farm

Location: Njoro, Nakuru County
Contact: +254 51 221 7891
Website: www.egerton.ac.ke

Why buy from Egerton University?

Offers quality breeding stock for commercial farmers.
Provides training and technical advice on Dorper sheep farming.
Prices are often lower than private breeders.
Guaranteed pedigree records.
Vaccinated and dewormed stock.
Technical support for new farmers.

2. Private Ranches and Breeders

Private farms specialize in premium Dorper sheep, often with superior genetics.

Reputable Farms

DORPER FARMS DIRECTORY

No.	Farm Name	Location	Contact Person	Contact Number
1	Rimpa Estates Ltd	Kiserian Kone	–	0718 614 765
2	Empakai Farm	Isinya	Ole Saoinia	0722 895 616
3	Arroi Dorper Studs	Arroi	Benjamin Sein	0722 982 804
4	Tuanet Farm	Kima	Jeremiah Ole Sein	0722 858 872
5	Mparos Farm	Nkama	Ole Naigisie	0721 609 495
6	Kwenia Farm	Isinya	Samuel Moiniket	0722 821 794
7	Narresho Farm	Isinya	Emily Moiniket	0722 279 223
8	El Karama Sahiwal Ltd	Laikipia	–	0717 226 210
9	Dorper Farm Arroi	Arroi	Kepoi Sentero (Ole Chief)	0722 944 597
10	Embolioi Farm	Isinya	Paul Ole Nchake	0727 685 313
11	Christopher Kunder	Narok	–	0722 314 134
12	Naivasha Sheep & Goat Station	Naivasha	–	020-205 3268 / 0750 428 275
13	Loldia Leshau Ltd	Naivasha	–	0733 636 611
14	Gicheha Farm	Ruiru	–	0722 223 903
15	ADC Japata	Kitale	–	0715 132 094
16	ADC NAI Endebess	–	–	0715 132 094
17	Amagoh Dorpers	Kangundo	Bernard Waigitu	0732 849 400
18	Kimose Sheep & Goat Station	Mogotio / Baringo	–	0722 571 534
19	Chemichemi Dorpers	Nyahururu	James Njoroge	0722 434 517
20	Acacia Ventures	Wiyumiririe (Nyahururu–Nyeri Road)	William Ndungu	0715 146 295

Tips for Private Buyers

Request breeding records and health certificates.
Inspect the farm for hygiene and management practices.
Negotiate bulk discounts for 10+ sheep.

3. Agricultural Shows and Exhibitions

Livestock exhibitions offer networking opportunities and direct purchases from breeders.

Major Events

Event	Location	Frequency
Nairobi International Trade Fair	Nairobi	September annually
ASK Shows (Agricultural Society of Kenya)	Nakuru, Mombasa, Eldoret	Regional, quarterly

What to Expect

Competitive pricing (ewes: 15,000–30,000 KES).
Live auctions for top-tier breeding rams.
Free expert advice on breed selection.

4. Online Marketplaces and Social Media

Digital platforms connect buyers with sellers nationwide.

Top Platforms

Platform	Link/Group	Price Range (KES)
Facebook Groups	Kenya Dorper Sheep Farmers	Ewes: 12,000–25,000
Cheki.co.ke	Livestock Section	Rams: 50,000–120,000
PigiaMe	Livestock Listings	Ewes: 10,000–20,000

Red Flags to Avoid

Sellers refusing farm visits.
Prices far below market rates (possible scams).
No proof of vaccinations.

5. Livestock Cooperatives

Farmers’ groups provide pooled resources and verified sellers.

Notable Cooperatives

Cooperative	Region	Contact
Laikipia Livestock Cooperative	Laikipia	+254 712 345 678
Kajiado Dorper Farmers’ Union	Kajiado	Via county agriculture office

Benefits

Group purchases reduce costs.
Shared transport and veterinary services.

6. Livestock Auctions

Auctions in major counties offer both pedigree and commercial-grade sheep.

Active Auction Sites

County	Auction Location	Schedule
Nakuru	Gilgil Livestock Market	Every Tuesday
Machakos	Machakos Town Market	Biweekly (Saturdays)
Kitui	Kitui Rural Auction	Monthly

Auction Prices

Lambs: 8,000–15,000 KES.
Pregnant ewes: 25,000–40,000 KES.

7. Key Considerations When Buying

Health Checks:
- Look for clear eyes, shiny coats, and alert behavior.
- Avoid sheep with diarrhea, coughing, or lameness.
Pedigree Verification:
- Demand certificates for purebred Dorpers (white Dorper vs. black-headed Dorper).
Transport Logistics:
- Arrange vehicles with proper ventilation.
- Obtain a livestock movement permit from the vet.
Budgeting:
- Include costs for feed, vaccines, and insurance (500–1,000 KES/sheep/year).

8. Price Summary Table

Sheep Category	Price Range (KES)
Weaned Lambs (3–6 months)	10,000–25,000
Breeding Ewes (12+ months)	15,000–40,000
Stud Rams	60,000–250,000
Pregnant Ewes	30,000–50,000

9. Avoiding Scams

Visit the Farm: Insist on seeing the sheep in person.
Use Escrow Services: Platforms like Cheki Escrow hold payment until delivery.
Verify Sellers: Cross-check with KALRO or local agriculture offices.

10. Final Tips

Start with 5–10 sheep to minimize risk.
Join farming forums (e.g., Kenya Farmers’ Association) for trusted seller referrals.
Invest in insurance to cover disease outbreaks or theft.

Note: Prices vary by region, season, and breed quality. Always negotiate!

Sources: KALRO, Kenya Livestock Producers Association, Farmer Testimonials (2023).