As we drove into town, we saw the sign for Section 58 that was part of the individual structions I had received at Heathrow Airport from Josey. It was near the Dog Section where they train police dogs. I think we asked directions from 4 or 5 people on the street and it seemed like each one had a different interpretation. There is no signage yet as this home was opened just this October 1st. The "blue" gate wasn't to a residence, but the entrance to a gated community with a guard. On that lane we found a black iron gate through which a child peered and then ran to get a key and let us in. Great security for the "Masters Touch Children's Center". There were 3 children and 2 caregivers on the property when we arrived. Two children were away for some legal paperwork to be completed. The children there were 4, 6 and 7 years old. Mwangi, Rosemary and Daniel. As the manager was away, we spoke with the two ladies and our driver was an able interpreter. They tried hard to contact people about sources for goats and chickens. How fortunate that on the backside of the property lived a man with goats. So out the gate and around to the other side of the block we found the goat caretaker. He gave us the phone number of the the owner and then ran off to herd the goats from their grazing area back to us.. As he arrived with about 20 goats, the owner also drove up. After introductions all around, we talked goats. Of, course the one I wanted could produce 4 litres of milk a day. She had a kid and the price for the "prize" goat and her kid was 38,000 KES or almost $500. He wouldn't budge on the price because he had paid a lot for her to import her. She was a Germany Alpine breed. Another German Alpine was in the herd and she had lost her kid due to poisoning. The herders had neglected their duties and the whole herd was showing it. With good food and care, the goat we finally chose would do well. She was pregnant and in a month they would have to stop milking her so she could gain strength during the last 4 months of pregnancy. Then after three months with sucklings, she would be producing milk for the orphanage. This one was priced at 15,000 KES or about $180. To make sure they got off to a good start with their little farm, we also purchased a two month supply of dairy meal and 50 kgs of chicken feed. There's lots of grazing for the goat in the yard. A cow would need a lot more pasture. The seller of the goat also offered a free stud service in future and also free advice to help them manage and learn about raising goats.
After sealing the deal for the goats we went downtown to the market and bought the feed and got some nice laying hens. Had to get the rooster at another market stall, and he was a fine specimen. We put the whole lot into the trunk of the car and headed back to the home. Well, there was some excitement. Then there was the planning of where and how big to make the pen and the coop. With the assistance of our driver, we came up with a quick and dirty budget and I emptied my pockets for the materials. After some photos and a prayer, we headed south in the dark. Drivers are constantly flashing their high beams a day transport trucks often have no tail lights. No wonder oir driver sticks to 60 km/hr.
This was the worst part of the trip. The transport trucks literally puke out black diesel smoke, especially on the uphill grades and with the amount of traffic, there is very little opportunity to pass. Result, a pounding headache and sneezing and stuffy, runny nose. Don't feel so good, but on the other hand, feel great. Mission accomplished in Kenya. Just one more thing before we leave...to deliver the two first aid kits we ordered for the school and orphanage here in Nairobi.
Now for some sleep!
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