Kenya’s poultry industry has significantly grown, boosting its agricultural GDP. Kenya has around 3 million small poultry farmers and 50 million birds. This number includes chickens, ducks, and turkeys, with chickens being the most common at 45 million.
Kenya’s growing population and changing diets are boosting the poultry sector, making it vital in agriculture. Those who invest time and resources can achieve financial independence and help with food security.
If you’re starting or improving a poultry farm, this guide is for you. It offers valuable tips and insights. Let’s explore successful poultry farming in Kenya together.
Types of Chicken Farming in Kenya.
In Kenya, chicken farming primarily consists of two main types: broiler farming and layer farming. Each type has its own characteristics, requirements, and market dynamics.
1. Broiler Farming.
Broiler farming raises chickens for meat. Its popularity has surged due to urban demand for chicken and quick stock turnover.
In Kenya, the best breeds are Cobb 500 and Ross 308. They’re noted for fast growth, efficient feed use, and quality meat. With good care, broilers weigh 1.5-2 kg in 6-8 weeks.
Setting up a broiler farm involves several costs:
Housing: Approximately KSh 50,000 – 100,000, depending on capacity
Chicks: KSh 70 – 100 per day-old chick
Feed: KSh 3,000 – 4,000 per 70kg bag
Vaccines and medication: KSh 10 – 15 per bird
In Kenya, broiler chicken prices range from KSh 300 to KSh 500 per kilogram, influenced by location and season. Farmers can earn a profit of 15-20% with good management.
Broiler farming needs careful feeding, temperature control, and disease prevention. Its quick cycle allows for multiple batches each year, boosting profits.
2. Layer Farming.
Layer farming focuses on egg production, ensuring year-round income. In Kenya, the best breeds are Isa Brown and Lohmann Brown, both high egg producers.
Key factors to consider in layer farming include:
Housing: Provide 2-3 square feet per bird
Lighting: 16-17 hours of light daily for optimal egg production
Feed: Layer mash with 16-18% protein content
Egg-laying cycles: Typically 52-56 weeks before replacement
The initial investment for layer farming is generally higher than broiler farming due to the longer production cycle. However, it provides a more consistent income as eggs are produced daily.
Costs involved in layer farming include:
Pullets (young hens): KSh 450 – 550 per bird at 16-18 weeks old
Housing: KSh 100,000 – 150,000 for a 500-bird capacity house
Feed: KSh 2,800 – 3,500 per 70kg bag of layer mash
Equipment (feeders, drinkers, nest boxes): KSh 50,000 – 70,000
The current market price for eggs in Kenya ranges from KSh 300 to KSh 400 per tray of 30 eggs. With proper management, layer farming can yield a profit margin of 20-25% on investment.
Layer farming needs a longer commitment. Hens start laying eggs at 18-20 weeks and lay for about a year. Then, their egg production drops. Yet, daily egg sales provide steady income, making it appealing to many farmers.
In Kenya, both broiler and layer farming are good business options. The choice depends on available money, market demand, and personal preference.
Establishing a successful poultry farm in Kenya involves several these steps:
Choosing good location- Ensure it’s close to markets, has water, and is easily accessible. Good roads are vital for transporting birds, feed, and products.
Choose the right breed: Match it to your goals (meat or eggs) and local climate. Seek advice from agricultural officers or seasoned farmers.
Build proper housing: Ensure it’s well-ventilated, safe from predators, and easy to clean. Space is key: 2-3 square feet per layer and 1-1.5 square feet per broiler. Consider temperature control, especially for chicks.
Get quality feed: Buy commercial feed or make your own with local ingredients. Nutrition is crucial.
Establish biosecurity: Clean regularly, limit visitors, and dispose of dead birds properly. This prevents disease.
Create a vaccination plan: Collaborate with a vet for common diseases like Newcastle and Gumboro. Follow it strictly.
Get the right equipment: You need feeders, drinkers, egg trays for layers, and brooding gear for chicks.
Feeding and Nutrition for Poultry Farming.
For the growth of poultry farming, proper nutrition is very important and plays an important role in increasing egg production from eggs. Chickens require different types of nutrition according to their age and purpose.
Chicks (0-8 weeks): Require 20-22% protein in their feed
Growers (8-18 weeks): Need 16-18% protein
Layers (18+ weeks): Require 16-18% protein with added calcium for egg shell formation
Broilers: Need 22-24% protein for rapid growth.
Commercial feed is readily available and formulated to meet these specific nutritional requirements.
However, it can be expensive, accounting for up to 70% of production costs. Many farmers opt to mix their own feed to reduce costs.
A typical homemade feed mix for layers might include:
Maize (50-60%)
Soya bean meal (20-25%)
Wheat bran (10-15%)
Fish meal or meat meal (5-10%)
Limestone or oyster shells (5-7%)
Vitamin and mineral premix (0.5-1%)
When preparing homemade feed, it’s crucial to ensure the right balance of nutrients. Consult with a poultry nutritionist or use feed formulation software to create balanced diets.
Water management is equally important. Chickens should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. On average, 1000 birds consume about 200-250 liters of water per day. Water consumption typically increases in hot weather and during egg production for layers.
Common Poultry Diseases in Kenya and Prevention.
Poultry farmers in Kenya face several common diseases that can harm their flocks and reduce profits. Let’s look at these diseases and how to prevent them:
1. Newcastle Disease.
A very contagious virus affecting all poultry, especially chickens
Signs: Breathing problems, fewer eggs, twisted necks
Spreads through contact with sick birds or contaminated items
Prevention: Vaccinate birds and use strict cleanliness measures
2. Gumboro Disease (Infectious Bursal Disease)
Affects young chickens, weakening their immune system
Signs: Sad birds, diarrhea, many deaths
Prevention: Vaccinate and keep chicken houses clean
3. Fowl Typhoid
Caused by Salmonella bacteria
Signs: Dull birds, ruffled feathers, diarrhea
Enters through dirty food or water
Prevention: Vaccinate and keep everything clean
4. Fowl Pox.
A virus causing wart-like spots on skin without feathers
Spreads by touch and insects
Prevention: Vaccinate and keep the environment clean
5. Coccidiosis.
A parasite in the gut causing severe diarrhea and weight loss
Prevention: Keep houses clean and dry, use special feed, maintain dry living areas.
How to Prevent These Diseases.
Vaccinate: Follow a regular vaccination plan for diseases like Newcastle and Gumboro.
Use Biosecurity:
Limit who can enter your farm
Use disinfectants
Keep new birds separate before adding them to your flock
Good Management:
Keep houses clean
Provide clean water
Give proper food
Regular Check-ups: Have a vet check your birds often to catch problems early.
Regular check-ups for the veterinary officer are very critical to the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases and making sure that economic losses are kept to a minimum. There can be as high as 80% mortality rates in cases of disease outbreaks in flocks that have not been vaccinated hence the emphasis on the need for Prevention.
Farmers must also pay attention to zoonoses and zoonotic diseases (animal to man disease) and be protected with sanitary clothing while working with the birds.
Challenges Facing Poultry Farmers in Kenya.
The poultry industry in Kenya is constrained by a number of serious problems that reduce the quantity and quality of production and total profit:
1. High cost of feeds.
Feed costs account for a total cost of about 60-70 % of total production costs. This has been the case since feed is considered the most expensive input. One of the core ingredients that are commonly used and efflues because of maize and soya goes under constant change due to weather patterns and export regulation. This volatility makes it easy for the farmers to not have a constant gap for profit margins.
2. Disease outbreaks.
The existence of diseases like Newcastle, Gumboro and coccidiosis is always a risk. There are no enough/textbook veterinary personnel services in the countryside, hence difficulty in controlling animal health. High mortality rates and high costs are characteristic of outbreaks.
3. Market Access Challenges
Competition from imported poultry products, often priced lower than local produce
Exploitation by middlemen who buy at low prices and sell at a premium
Price instability due to oversupply during certain seasons, particularly for eggs
Limited cold storage facilities, forcing farmers to sell quickly, often at lower prices
4. Government Policies.
High taxes on inputs like feed ingredients and medications increase production costs
Inconsistent import restrictions on poultry products can lead to market flooding
Lack of strong policies to protect local farmers from cheap imports
5. Limited credit access.
Many small farmers can’t get loans. Banks see poultry farming as risky.
6. Climate change.
Extreme weather affects feed, increases diseases, and harms birds. Droughts cause water shortages. Floods damage farms.
7. Knowledge gaps.
Many farmers lack access to modern poultry care information. This leads to poor production.
8. Demand fluctuations.
Egg demand drops during school holidays. This leads to oversupply and lower prices.
9. Counterfeit products.
Fake vaccines, medicines, and feed harm birds and investments. Despite these challenges, the growing demand for poultry products continues to drive industry growth.
Addressing these issues through improved policies, farmer education, and investment in infrastructure could significantly boost the sector’s productivity and profitability.
Despite the challenges, the Kenyan poultry industry presents numerous opportunities for farmers:
Urban Demand: Chicken consumption is, however, on the rise in urban centers in Kenya in such cities as Nairobi and Mombasa. This is as a result of urbanization and increase in the middle class.
Chicken is the most popular and most affordable and also, the easiest source of protein for city dwellers As experienced, export’s great potential does also apply to farmers in Kenya. Farmers in Kenya have the market for East Africa which is relatively close. If the quality control and standard requirements are met, then they may be able to participate in foreign markets.
Value-Added Products: Processed items from chicken such as sausages and chicken nuggets continue to record a surge in demand. These products are usually more profitable.
Organic Markets: The market trends show that the Brazilian market for organic/free range chicken’s is expanding. Such items that are attractive to the health earner consumers can be sold at premium prices.
Technology Adoption: For that reason, farmers do not need to remain in the same level of output since they can always improve their productivity by integrating modern technology into their farming. There are technologies like automated feeding, smart farming and farm management apps that are also classic.
Support Programs: Through the provision of training and financial assistance, NGOs and the government assist small scale farmers. All these programs increase skills and availability of resources.
Feed Production: However, one major setback is quite high feed prices. Farmers could custom make their feed or perhaps local entrepreneurs could create small scale feed production units.
Waste Management: Instead, they can generate additional income through selling organic fertilizer made from chicken manure.
CONCLUSION.
Poultry farming in Kenya is a promising venture for both small and large farmers. It can quickly generate income and enhance food security, thus attracting more people and supporting rural communities.
Despite challenges like high feed prices and disease control, the sector shows a positive trend. This is due to the rising demand for poultry products and available support. By following best practices, using technology, and staying updated on market trends, new farmers can succeed in this vibrant industry.
Key takeaways for success in Kenyan poultry farming include:
Start small and expand gradually
Focus on quality and bird health
Continuously educate yourself about best practices
Implement strong biosecurity measures
Diversify your products when possible
Build strong relationships with suppliers and customers