It all began when Lenny Gitonga traveled to Narok County, Kenya, for a work assignment.
Little did he know that this seemingly routine trip would expose him to a world entirely different from the one he was accustomed to – the world of farming.
During his stay in Narok, Lenny had the opportunity to visit a poultry farmer whose modest yet comfortable lifestyle left an indelible mark on him.
This farmer wasn’t amassing millions, but he was leading a contented life built on the proceeds of poultry farming.
“It was my first time in Narok, and I visited a farmer who was doing some impressive poultry farming. He was not making millions, but he was leading a comfortable life from the proceeds, and he looked peaceful. I was totally impressed,” Lenny vividly recalls that transformative moment
Returning to Nairobi, Lenny found himself at a crossroads.
His job as a telecommunications engineer, while financially rewarding, was also high-pressure and demanding.
The experience in Narok had planted a seed of change within him. After thorough soul-searching, Lenny made a radical decision: he quit his engineering job.
With unwavering determination, Lenny ventured into farming, a world he had little prior experience in.
He leaned on his network in Narok to source prime agricultural land. Using his hard-earned savings, he purchased an acre of land in Nkoben, Narok County, and that marked the beginning of his journey into poultry farming.
The early days were not without their challenges.
Inexperienced in poultry farming, Lenny faced a significant setback when he lost 120 chicks in a single day.
Common poultry diseases, including Newcastle and Fowl Typhoid, proved to be formidable foes. However, Lenny refused to be discouraged by these setbacks.
Recognizing the need to equip himself with knowledge, Lenny sought guidance from a leading poultry company.
He immersed himself in learning about feeding, egg production, and disease management.
His commitment to mastering the intricacies of poultry farming paid off. He soon discovered that vaccination, proper brooding, and meticulous hygiene were key factors in ensuring the success of his poultry venture.
Lenny learned valuable lessons along the way, such as the importance of regulating the conditions for newly hatched chicks.
For the first five days, these chicks require carefully controlled heat, light, feeds, and water. After two weeks, they become capable of regulating their own water and feed consumption.
One of the significant revelations for Lenny was the insatiable market demand for eggs.
He found a reliable market for his products in Narok town, where the demand for fresh eggs remained consistently high.
While the financial rewards of poultry farming may not rival the generous salary he earned as an engineer, Lenny harbors no regrets about his career transition.
“I used to get a good salary but I had to work for six intense days consecutively. I had little time for rest, family and there was no personal growth and development. I am now happy and fulfilled,” says Gitonga.
Lenny’s success story extends beyond personal achievement. He has become a job creator, employing five young individuals on his farm.
His ambitions do not stop at poultry farming alone.
“I plan to buy 100 acres of land to rear beef cattle, poultry and other livestock purely for commercial purposes,” reveals Gitonga.
