In the arid landscapes of Makueni County, where drought and crop failure pose constant challenges, one farmer has managed to carve out a thriving poultry farming empire.
Anna Ndunda is one of the biggest chicken farmer in the county. The administrator at the Makueni county government adopted the battery cage system which is paying dividends.
Here is her inspiring story as told by WoK.
Interest
Anna Ndunda recalls her farming business interest being sparked by when her grandfather gifted her one hen when she was in Class Two.
Her mother would sell part of their flock to buy her clothes and shoes. The interest was further fuelled by an aunt who would buy keinyeji chicken from farmers in the countryside and sell them in Mombasa.
The determined and innovative entrepreneur has since bettered what her family did by using modern technology.
Her poultry farm has an elaborate battery cage system which gives one an insight into how she runs her farm, and how seriously she takes her chicken business.
The Cage System
The cage system enables administrator to monitor the health and productivity of individual birds, allowing for appropriate action, such as isolating a sick bird.
Moreover, the battery cage system enhances efficiency in feed and water use by reducing wastage, as stated in a past media interview.
Sourcing Chicks and Vaccination Regimen
In a past interview seen by WoK, Ndunda explained that she starts by sourcing chicks from certified dealers. She buys day-old chicks from a supplier in Nairobi and raises them in a brooder powered by specially designed pots running on charcoal. The chicks also receive vaccinations against common diseases.
Egg Production
Ndunda stocks Issa Brown hybrid chickens known for their egg-laying capabilities. She transfers the chicks from the brooder to the cages when they are three months old.
They start laying eggs when they are 18-20 weeks old and continue until they reach 18 months old, according to a past interview with Seeds of Gold.
From Small-Scale to Large-Scale Farming
Ndunda’s venture initially struggled as a small-scale chicken farming operation focused on meat and eggs under the deep litter system.
However, after visiting President William Ruto’s chicken farm in Sugoi, Uasin Gishu County, she learned about the cage system, the importance of clean water, high-quality feeds, and the gradual introduction of growers’ mash to chicks.
1,500 Layers and 43 Trays of Eggs Daily
With 1,500 layers, Ndunda is one of the largest chicken farmers in the county. Her farm produces 43 trays of eggs daily.
Wholesalers purchase the eggs from her farm, selling them to individuals, restaurants, and hotels in Wote Township. The size and cleanliness of the eggs, attributed to the battery cage system, are praised by customers.
Challenges
Despite her impressive output, Ndunda faces challenges in a semi-arid region prone to drought and crop failure. Water and feed are her biggest challenges. She spends Ksh 11,000 daily on commercial feeds and Ksh 10,000 to buy water every month.
Addressing the High Cost of Feed Production
Nicholas Muyale, the chairman of the Kenya Veterinary Association, explains that feeds account for 70% of the cost of producing eggs in Kenya, making them less competitive compared to imported eggs from Uganda.
He suggests embracing new feed production technologies like using Black Soldier Fly maggots to reduce costs and increase profitability in egg production ventures.
Future Plans
Ndunda plans to expand her stock to 10,000 birds, aiming for further growth. She also intends to establish a model farm to offer training on poultry farming and egg production, diversifying her revenue streams. She is also rearing catfish on her farm, a venture she says she started with Ksh 60,000.
The Success of Anna Ndunda’s Poultry Farming Venture
Anna Ndunda’s successful chicken farm demonstrates the potential and profitability of investing in egg production. Despite the challenges of water scarcity and high feed costs, her dedication and adoption of modern farming techniques have made her one of the leading chicken farmers in the county.
