Twelve-year-old twins Gift Waithira and Christine Wambui have succeeded in rabbit farming sparked by lessons in the CBE curriculum. They have grown their stock to 50 rabbits, producing 3,000 liters of urine monthly, and sold some to cover school expenses. The project has taught them agriculture and contributed to their community.
Gift Waithira and her twin Christine Wambui began rabbit farming in 2023 during Grade Five, inspired by agriculture lessons in the CBE curriculum. They asked their grandmother, Mary Waithira, to buy two rabbits, but she purchased three—one male and two females—for Sh300 each. Their uncle, Paul Maina, built the cages at a cost of Sh2,000.
After one week, they placed a container under the rabbit house to collect urine, used as fertilizer for crops like potatoes, leafy greens, and maize, preventing diseases and pests. Each evening after school, they fed the rabbits and did household chores. Within a month, the two females each gave birth to eight offspring, boosting urine output from 15 liters per week to 30 liters.
By the end of last year, the rabbits numbered 50, yielding 3,000 liters of urine monthly thanks to good nutrition and hygiene. In December, they sold over 30 rabbits for between Sh500 and Sh1,000 depending on size, using the proceeds to buy books, pens, and pay for Grade Seven school fees.
"My grandmother was pleased with the idea and wanted to know why it came to us," Gift said. Christine added, "We have a personal schedule guiding our schoolwork and finding feed for our rabbits." They plan to expand to 100 rabbits, producing 6,000 liters of urine, while collecting manure for their home garden. Mary Waithira noted the project keeps the girls busy, away from play or trouble, and she bought them two goats that provide milk sold for an extra Sh200.
Rabbits produce more urine in warm weather than cold, with each capable of over two liters in good seasons. They have asked their grandmother to open a savings account for surplus funds.