Nairobi, June 17 -- In 1979, the founders of Brown's Food Company decided to go into the dairy industry with two cows. Over four decades later, they have given birth to a venture dominating cheese-making, not only in Kenya but across the East African region.

Originally Brown's Cheese, the dairy products-making company managed by the second generation, was established by David and Sue Brown as a solar heater manufacturing firm while keeping only a few cows for household milk consumption.

Now, the family-owned company produces cheese wheels, some costing as high as Sh100,000 a piece, with a keen eye on high-end markets, including exports within East Africa.

"When our parents started the business, they were initially focused on solar heat...