Kenyan County Farmers in Rush to Meet Chicken, Eggs Demand
KENYA - A survey commissioned by the Kakamega County Government shows the county produces slightly more than 35 million eggs every year, compared to an annual demand of 170 million eggs.According to Kenya's Standard Digital, the task force's report revealed the county imports eggs and chickens from as far as Central Kenya and neighbouring counties such as Uasin Gishu and Nandi, to meet its demand for chicken meat; which is a cherished delicacy in the area.
The situation has resulted in a sharp increase in eggs prices, with locals having to part with between Sh15 and Sh30 for eggs.
However, all is not lost as farmers in the county are now turning to poultry farming to cash in on the acute eggs and chickens' shortage in the region.
This is a marked change from the past where locals would rear one to ten chickens for domestic use only. More people are now embracing large-scale poultry farming.
Kisivuli Adika, 52, from Lugari is one such farmer. He rears broilers and indigenous chickens and supplies chicks and eggs to youths in as far as Central Kenya.
"I prefer to sell my produce to Central Kenya because the returns are better. For example, a tray of eggs in Central is Sh900 yet in Kakamega it is Sh300," Mr Kisivuli said.
"I quit working because when I was employed, I was paid Sh12,000 per month yet today I earn Sh54,000 per month and can save Sh35,000 monthly," he said.
Geoffrey Otinga is another large-scale poultry farmer in Mautuma village and he makes about Sh6,000 a week by selling eggs only. He also offers training to farmers interested in venturing into the lucrative trade.
"Poultry farming has the capacity to change a family's fortunes. I have been able to take my daughter to university from returns made by selling some of my chickens and eggs,” Mr Otinga said.