Australian Red Napier Grass Transforming Dairy Farming In Kiambu County

By MKT Reporter

Australian red napier grass is steadily gaining popularity across Kenya, particularly in counties such as Kiambu, long regarded as the heart of the country’s dairy industry.

Praised for its high yield, resilience, and superior nutritional value, the grass is transforming how smallholder farmers feed their livestock and earn a living from their land.

The crop, originally developed in Australia for dryland forage, was introduced to Kenya through agricultural research collaborations and pilot projects five years ago.

Its rapid growth, disease resistance, and ability to thrive even in changing climatic conditions have made it a preferred choice among dairy farmers facing pasture shortages and fluctuating milk production.

Steven Kariuki, a 38-year-old dairy farmer in Githunguri Sub-county, is part of a growing wave of farmers redefining dairy production through the adoption of Australian red napier grass. His success story reflects the broader shift transforming Kiambu’s dairy landscape.

“When I started dairy farming, I never thought grass could be this valuable. Now, people come from other counties to buy it from me,” said Kariuki with a smile.

Kariuki, who manages a 10-acre farm, replaced half of his traditional Napier crop with the Australian variety in 2023. Within months, he observed a marked improvement in his herd’s productivity.

“Before switching, my cows produced about 15 liters of milk per day,” he added “Now, with the red napier, the average is 25 litres. The grass is more nutritious, and it grows back quickly after harvest,” he said.

The benefits extend beyond the farm gate. With surplus yields, Kariuki began drying and baling the grass for sale to other dairy producers. Bundles of red napier cuttings fetch between Sh25 and Sh30 apiece, depending on the number of cuttings a farmer is buying.

What started as a small side business has grown into a regional trade, supplying feed to farmers in neighboring Murang’a, Kajiado and Nyandarua counties, and even across the border into Uganda and Tanzania.

“I never thought I’d be exporting grass. But demand keeps rising. Farmers in dry areas especially like it because it stays green longer,” he said.

Agricultural experts attribute the crop’s success to its adaptability and nutritional composition. According to data from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Australian red napier has a crude protein content of up to 16 percent, compared to an average of 10 percent in conventional napier grass. It also matures faster that is within 75 days of planting and allows up to eight harvests annually.

Dr Grace Mwangi, a livestock nutrition specialist at KALRO, said the grass could play a significant role in enhancing Kenya’s dairy competitiveness.

“Feed costs account for more than 60 percent of milk production expenses. By adopting high-quality fodder like red napier, farmers can lower costs and increase output sustainably,” she explained.

County governments are now encouraging wider adoption of the crop. In Kiambu, extension officers have launched training programmes to guide farmers on cultivation, harvesting, and preservation techniques.

Back on his farm, Kariuki plans to expand his acreage under red napier and invest in mechanized baling equipment, to meet growing demand. “It’s more than fodder, it’s become a business,” he said.

As Kenya’s dairy sector continues to evolve, the Australian red napier grass is emerging as both a productivity booster and a symbol of agricultural innovation rooted in local resilience.