Meet Nandi man who breeds rodents

Abraham Kibet, a resident of Kapkorio Village in Nandi County, is among those who have recognized the value of these animals.

We meet him at his home while feeding his poultry and other livestock.

His usual morning routine includes feeding the tens of guinea pigs he rears, explaining how he finds them easy to keep. He notes that they are resilient creatures that require minimal care while offering numerous benefits.

The Kenyan farmer first attempted to rear guinea pigs in 1989 but failed. 

It was not until 2016 that he successfully started keeping them after purchasing five — four males and one female — at Sh700 each from a seller he met on his way home.

Since then, he has continued rearing them, with a reproduction cycle of every three months, producing between two and four pups per litter.

He speaks passionately about how little attention they require despite their many advantages. First, guinea pigs are easy to feed. 

Unlike other animals that require expensive fodder or formulated feeds, these rodents thrive on simple farm weeds and leftover scraps.

“Feeding them is easy. All I need are weeds from my farm or leftovers like ugali. Their diet is very simple,” Kibet explains.

This natural and readily available diet can be easily gathered from his farm, saving him money while ensuring the animals receive proper nutrition. 

Kibet insists that their ability to survive on such food sources makes them an excellent option for farmers looking to cut costs while maintaining productivity.

“They start feeding on direct food after two days, which makes them grow very fast. They reach maturity in about six months,” he adds.

Another remarkable trait of guinea pigs, according to Kibet, is their resilience against diseases.

Over the years, he has spent money on veterinary care and medication for his poultry and livestock, which are prone to infections, and cows that require regular vaccinations. 

However, guinea pigs seem to possess a natural toughness that keeps them healthy, he says.

“I have never seen them affected by any disease. The only challenge I have encountered is overbreeding, which leads to space competition, but I always welcome it because it means more guinea pigs,” Kibet notes.

Guinea pigs also play an important role in the ecosystem. 

Parks and reserves have collected them from Kibet to be used as food for carnivorous animals such as snakes.

“Recently, I had around 60 of them, but after selling some, I now have about thirty… Parks often buy them to feed captive predators such as snakes,” says Kibet.

Beyond their scientific and ecological roles, guinea pigs have also gained popularity as pets, especially among households looking for low-maintenance animals with minimal medical expenses.

Kibet believes guinea pigs make excellent pets. 

As observed, these shy creatures are affectionate and social, especially when properly cared for.  Their colourful coats make them lovely companions.

“For families with children or first-time pet owners, they provide a perfect introduction to animal care. I keep the Asian and Fresian breeds, which are colourful,” he explains, adding that their resilience against illnesses makes them easy to keep without worrying about unexpected losses.

Above all, for Abraham and his family, guinea pigs are a source of food.

Though not yet common, he says more communities in Kenya are beginning to embrace them as a delicacy. 

He believes that guinea pigs could serve as a sustainable protein source.

“They are an alternative source of white meat, which is recommended for people with certain health conditions. I believe that if more people were aware of their nutritional benefits, they would adopt guinea pigs as a viable food option,” he says.

Reflecting on his years of rearing guinea pigs, Kibet emphasizes their often-overlooked importance, particularly as research subjects in Kenya.

He insists that there is a need to train farmers on how to raise guinea pigs as an alternative source of income — whether by selling them as pets or as part of the food chain. He confirms that he now sells at least ten guinea pigs per month.

“I sell them at one thousand shillings each. This has helped me pay school fees and sustain my family,” concludes Abraham, insisting that guinea pigs should not be overlooked. He foresees a rise in demand and a fall in supply, especially in schools, as the CBC curriculum continues to take shape in Kenya’s education system.

In his experience, guinea pigs are much more than just rodents. 

[email protected]