By MaryAnne Musilo

Goat milk is gaining ground over cow milk,as more Kenyans search for nutritious and easily digestible dairy options. This is backed by nutrition experts and rising consumer demand.

Stella Kamiru, a nutritionist based in Eldoret, said she recommends goat milk over cow milk because it is far easier for people to digest, and get the nutrition from, than cows milk..

“Goat milk is easier to digest because it contains smaller fat globules and higher levels of medium-chain triglycerides. However, while some people with mild lactose intolerance may tolerate it better than cow milk, it is not completely lactose-free,” said Stella.

According to her, goat milk is also rich in essential nutrients that support bone health and overall wellbeing. In some instances, she has recommended goat milk to patients with calcium deficiency, as it is a good source of calcium.

” I have had clients who got issues with the bones, for example, one was hearing a cracking sound when she stands, and after taking goat milk she was okay,” she said.

Beyond bone health, goat milk also supports digestive wellness. It is prebiotic and contains oligosaccharides, which feed beneficial gut bacteria, helping improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

“In some instances, people who are allergic to cow milk can comfortably take goat milk. This is because goat milk has significantly lower levels of beta lactoglobulin and forms softer, smaller and easily digestible curds in the stomach,” she said.

The high vitamin A content in goat milk has also led to increased global demand for goat milk soap, as it helps enrich the skin.

Overall, the key nutrients found in goat milk are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, proteins, calories and vitamin A.

It is the calcium content that is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth, supporting bone mineral density, and aiding in the prevention of osteoporosis over time. Phosphorus works closely with calcium to strengthen skeletal structure and also plays a role in energy metabolism and the formation of ATP, which is essential for cellular energy.

More available ATP generally translates into better energy for physical and mental activity. Muscles can contract more efficiently, so endurance and strength may feel improved. The brain, which is highly energy-demanding, can perform cognitive tasks more effectively, supporting alertness, focus, and mental stamina. Adequate ATP also supports recovery after exertion, since energy is needed for repairing tissues and clearing metabolic byproducts like lactate.

Then, magnesium further contributes to bone health as well as proper nerve and muscle function and supports normal cardiovascular activity.

Potassium helps regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and muscle contractions, including those of the heart.

Goat milk is also a good source of high-quality proteins, which provide essential amino acids necessary for tissue repair, enzyme function, and the maintenance of muscle mass. The calories in goat milk provide energy for daily activities and bodily functions.

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Finally, vitamin A in goat milk supports vision, immune system function, and the health of epithelial tissues, including skin and mucous membranes. Together, these nutrients make goat milk a nutrient-dense food that supports skeletal strength, energy metabolism, muscle function, and overall growth and maintenance of the body.

But “even though good, one should not take it raw. It should be pasteurized or boiled. Hygiene should always be key in the production and preparing it,” said Stella.

Nonetheless, with increasing awareness of its health benefits, the demand for goat milk is growing, and some entrepreneurs are producing yoghurt and other value-added products.

For farmers, this presents an emerging opportunity. Dairy goats require less space and lower feed quantities than cattle, making them suitable for smallholder farmers seeking diversification and higher-value products.

As consumer interest shifts towards healthier and more beneficial foods, goat milk is positioning itself as a potentially profitable agribusiness venture ahead.

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