Farming Passion That Created a Multi-Million Dairy Business

By Nelson Mandela

Willy Kirwa is not your typical success story. He didn’t finish high school. In fact, he dropped out in Form Two. But instead of letting that define him, he turned to what he loved most, farming. Today, Willy runs a thriving multi-million shilling dairy farm in Kenya, built from the ground up with passion, hard work, and unwavering belief in his vision.
After leaving school, many would have given up, but Willy saw farming not just as a way to survive, but as a path to grow and thrive. With just a few cows and very limited resources, he began his journey. Through sheer determination and a willingness to learn on the job, he slowly transformed his small venture into a well-managed dairy operation that now inspires farmers across the country.
In a recent video interview, Willy opens up about his journey, the early struggles, the long hours, the tough decisions, and the setbacks that almost made him quit. He talks about how he faced financial challenges, lacked technical know-how at first, and had to convince others that he could actually make it in farming. But instead of backing down, he adapted, learned from others, and stayed consistent.
His secret? “You don’t have to go to university to succeed,” he says. “You just have to be willing to learn, work hard, and stay focused.”
Walking through his farm today, it’s easy to see the results of years of hands-on effort. His cows are healthy, the systems are efficient, and his team is motivated. Every step he took from feeding strategies to breeding decisions was intentional and informed by a drive to grow. Willy believes in doing things right, and that’s reflected in the quality of milk his farm produces.
For young people interested in agriculture, Willy’s story is a powerful reminder that success doesn't come from shortcuts. It comes from showing up every day, being patient, and making smart decisions. In the video, he also shares practical advice for beginners: start small, be consistent, don’t fear failure, and most importantly, treat farming like a business.

Watch Kirwa's Story Here!