Visitors to the Egerton University stand at the 2026 Nakuru ASK Show had an opportunity to learn about one of the most valuable products from sheep—fleece. University students demonstrated how fleece is carefully trimmed from sheep through a process known as shearing, while explaining its many economic and industrial uses.
According to the students, shearing is usually done once or twice a year using specialized electric or manual shearing equipment. The process removes the sheep's wool without harming the animal. In fact, regular shearing improves the sheep's comfort, especially during warm seasons, reduces the risk of skin diseases and parasites, and allows new, healthy wool to grow.
After harvesting, the fleece is sorted according to quality, cleaned to remove dirt and grease, and processed into wool. This wool is then spun into yarn and manufactured into a wide range of products. The students highlighted that fleece has numerous uses. It is used to make warm clothing such as sweaters, scarves, socks, jackets, gloves, and blankets. It is also used in carpets, mattresses, upholstery, felt products, insulation materials, and even in some industrial applications because of its excellent heat-retaining and moisture-absorbing properties.
For sheep farmers, fleece provides an additional source of income alongside meat and breeding stock. Quality wool attracts higher market prices, making proper sheep nutrition, disease control, and good breeding practices essential for producing premium fleece.
The demonstration at the Egerton University stand reminded visitors that sheep farming is not only about producing lamb or mutton but also about utilizing every valuable product the animal provides. With proper management, fleece can become a profitable enterprise that supports livelihoods while supplying industries with a renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly natural fibre. The presentation encouraged farmers to view wool production as an untapped opportunity capable of increasing farm income and promoting sustainable livestock farming in Kenya.
