How Dairy Farming Turned Kathure’s Home into a Sustainable Household
Village HopeCore International continues to transform lives by empowering communities through health, education, and economic empowerment. Kathure Philippine, a member of the Mwema OVC Self-Help Group in Tharaka Nithi County, is a great example of HopeCore’s impact. Her journey from owning one dairy cow to running a thriving small dairy farming business is a true reflection of hope, empowerment, and sustainability.
We sat down with Kathure to learn more about her inspiring story.
Kathure, please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Kathure Philippine, and I am a member of the Mwema OVC Self-Help Group, which we formed three years ago. We are very grateful to HopeCore for the support and empowerment they have given us.
How did your journey with HopeCore begin?
I first came to know about HopeCore through their Public Health program, where I served as a Community Health Promoter (CHP). As a CHP, I have attended a number of HopeCore’s trainings. In these sessions, they didn’t just talk about health—they also empowered us with entrepreneurship skills. That’s where the idea of starting dairy farming was born.
What did you do with your first loan from HopeCore?
In 2023, I received my very first individual loan of Ksh. 60,000 ($467) from HopeCore, through my group. With so much excitement, I bought my first dairy cow! That single cow completely changed my life. From that one, I now have four strong, healthy cows.
What makes it even more special is that this was not just an investment—it was the beginning of a dream. Looking back, I see that one cow as the seed that grew into a brighter future. It gave me hope, inspired me to think bigger, and showed me that I could actually build a business.
How has HopeCore continued to support your growth?
This year, I received a second individual loan of Ksh. 100,000 ($778), which I used to buy a beautiful cow I named Amina. She is already in calf—can you imagine my joy? But it’s not just the loans. HopeCore has also given us continuous support through business trainings and financial literacy sessions. These have taught me how to manage money, plan wisely, and see my dairy project as a real business. This journey has been so exciting, inspiring, and motivating. Every day I wake up feeling proud of how far I have come.
Your cows seem very special to you—why do you give them names?
I name my cows because they are part of my family and my journey. Each one has a special place in my heart. Right now, I have four cows: Amina, Mum, Joy, and Sofia. Giving them names makes me connect with them more, and honestly, it motivates me because when I see them healthy and growing, I feel proud—like I’m building something beautiful with them.
What impact has dairy farming had on your life?
It has completely transformed my life! My four cows produce between 60 and 80 litres of milk daily, which earns me between Ksh. 90,000 ($700) and Ksh. 120,000 ($934) every month. I never thought I could reach this level! With this income, I can comfortably support my family, pay school fees, and even save for future plans.
What excites me most is the independence and dignity it gives me as a woman. I no longer have to struggle to make ends meet. I have even created employment by hiring someone to help me on the farm, which means I’m also empowering my community. Dairy farming has unlocked potential in me that I never thought possible—and that inspires me to keep moving forward every day.
How else are you benefiting from your dairy farming?
The benefits are many! I use the cows’ manure on my farm to grow bananas, and my chickens are also thriving because of it. I also grow vegetables in my kitchen garden. Every evening, I walk there to pick fresh greens—it saves money, it’s healthy, and it feels so good to provide food from my own land.
And let me not forget the biogas! From my cows, I now have biogas, which has reduced the cost of buying cooking gas. At the same time, it’s helping me do my part to fight climate change. Truly, nothing goes to waste on this farm.
What message do you have for other women?
HopeCore has empowered us in such a big way—not just me, but all the women in my group. My message to other women is simple: don’t wait, don’t hold back. Join groups, connect with HopeCore, and start something. They are there to empower us domestically, economically, and even health-wise. If I can do it, so can you!
Looking ahead, what do you envision for yourself, your family, and your dairy farming business?
I am truly excited for the future! Walking this journey with HopeCore has given me the courage to dream bigger. Right now, most of our food and income come from these dairy cows, and I know this is only the beginning. I believe the best is yet to come! My biggest dream is to open a stall where I can sell dairy products and fresh produce to the community. Just thinking about it fills me with so much joy — it would be a dream come true and a beautiful way to keep growing.
Kathure’s journey shows how access to opportunities and the right support can turn small beginnings into thriving, sustainable enterprises. With HopeCore, women like Kathure are not only building better futures for their families but also helping transform entire communities.
Watch her story:
