Celestin Turimumahoro, 28, is an ambitious entrepreneur who has transformed his passion for agriculture into a thriving business, thanks to the support and training provided by Kilimo Trust Rwanda.
His journey to a leading figure in animal nutrition exemplifies the potential of youth in the agricultural sector when given the opportunity.
Kilimo Trust Rwanda, a not-for-profit organisation, has been at the forefront of addressing skill gaps in the dairy sub-sector across several districts in Rwanda, including Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kayonza, Gicumbi, and Nyabihu. Through its Agri-Youth Employment (AYE) programme, supported by USAID’s Feed the Future Rwanda Hanga Akazi Activity, the organisation has set out to create 1,000 jobs in the dairy value chain.
The company is among many agribusinesses that showcased their products at the 17th National Agriculture Show (Agri-Show) which took place from July 31 to August 9, at Mulindi showground in Kigali.
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Among the 136 youths selected for this programme was Turimumahoro, who, despite having some prior knowledge of animal feeding products from the internet, had his dream come true during the training provided by Kilimo Trust Rwanda. He was initially involved in pig farming.
The AYE programme, a one-year initiative, is designed to equip young Rwandans with the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to secure decent employment or start their own businesses within the dairy industry. The trainees have been deployed as a catalytic group to unlock 875 more jobs.
Turimumahoro’s participation in the programme included two months of training at Kabutare Technical Secondary School (TSS), followed by a farm attachment that allowed him to apply his newly acquired knowledge in dairy farming. The courses gave him invaluable skills in dairy cattle feeding, farm management, veterinary services, and the operation, maintenance of farm machinery, and more.
With his training complete, Turimimahoro returned to Katabagemu Sector in Nyagatare District, determined to make a difference. He founded QS CETU Ltd, a company specialising in the production and distribution of cow-feeding products.
"My business focuses on creating nutrient-rich animal feed by collecting dry harvest remaining of soybeans, maize trunks, beans, and groundnuts — all rich in protein and energy. These ingredients are then mixed with premixes like milk boosters, general purpose, and other concentration materials, resulting in a product that significantly enhances dairy cows’ milk production,” he explained.
He noted: "The company began while producing 200 kilogrammes of feed per day with the help of four daily workers. However, with the advanced skills I acquired, the production has since doubled to over 500 kilogrammes per day. The labour force has also expanded to 12 daily workers and three permanent employees."
"A cow can consume up to three kilogrammes per day, in addition to water, which decreases the amount of grass it would normally consume. This significantly reduces the cost of feeding cows and an increase in milk production, farmers testified,” he added.
Beyond his business achievements, Turimimahoro is committed to giving back to his community. He now shares his expertise with local dairy farmers, offering free training and mentoring to help others improve their farming practices. One of these farmers is currently interning at QS CETU Ltd, gaining skills that will benefit his own farm in the future.