Elizabeth Kitunga, a dedicated teacher, has risen to prominence as a successful poultry farmer. Today, we are at her Nakuru farm, where she graciously shares her inspiring journey, one that demonstrates the power of determination and hard work.
As WoK delves into her story, we are reminded of the opportunities that lie beyond conventional professions and how one woman’s bold decision changed her life forever.
The Genesis of Poultry Farming
Elizabeth Kitunga, a passionate teacher, stumbled upon the idea of poultry farming as a promising side business to supplement her income.
Her need for financial stability and diversity plunged her into the world of poultry with eagerness and excitement.
Her Mother Mentoring Role
Elizabeth’s mother, Virginia Nampasa, a retired teacher, proved to be a guiding light throughout her journey. As a mentor, she instilled the confidence and belief needed to pursue unconventional ventures. Elizabeth expressed her deep appreciation for her mother’s unwavering support.
“So, I talked with my mother, with some of my colleagues who had already started the business…My brother-in-law is an expert in that field. I visited his farm for one month. Then I took the chicks when they were ready, and I managed from there. That is where I started.”
Balancing Teaching and Farming- An Early Bird
When asked about the challenges of managing two demanding roles in an interview with AIM Agriculture, Elizabeth calmly explained her well-thought-out routine.
Rising before dawn, she meticulously cares for her poultry, ensuring they have food and water, before heading off to her teaching job.
She articulates,
“I have to go to work very early in the morning, and I have to feed them. So, I just manage my time. Time is everything in every work, even if you are a farmer or a doctor, you have to work on time. I just wake up very early in the morning, I feed my poultry, I give them water, then I go to school by six or six-thirty, and I will be at work. It is that simple.”
The Driving Force
Behind every successful venture lies a compelling motivation. For Elizabeth, it was the desire to break free from a single source of income and to grow economically.
Poultry farming appeared as an avenue through which she could create a secure future for herself and her loved ones.
She says, “Why did I choose to start this business? You know, you cannot rely on one source of income. There are so many things waiting for you to do. You also want to grow economically. So, I thought of a side hustle, poultry farming. It is very simple. Poultry is not like cattle farming or cows.”
Confronting Obstacles
Elizabeth candidly spoke about the hurdles she faced as a novice poultry farmer. From dealing with cannibalism and egg-eating to navigating market fluctuations, she encountered the realities of the business.
However, her resilience and willingness to learn allowed her to overcome these challenges and emerge victorious.
Adapting to Market Changes
A key takeaway from her journey was the importance of adaptability. Amid market fluctuations, she swiftly adjusted her approach and found innovative solutions to sustain her poultry farm during tough times.
She recounts, “When I started selling the eggs, they were buying at 260 per tray. Actually, it was not so bad. I could buy food and still go home with around two or three kings. So, I cannot say it was bad. Then it became a time when they were buying at 300 per tray. That was so nice. You could have walked home comfortably with 7k or above after purchasing food for a whole week.”
Promoting Local Produce
Elizabeth raised a pressing concern about the impact of imported eggs on local farmers. She passionately called on both the government and consumers to prioritize and support locally produced poultry products, recognizing the potential of homegrown businesses.
Pleading for Improved Feeds
The poultry farmer stressed the significance of quality feeds in maximizing productivity. She urged feed producers to invest in nutrient-rich and mineral-enhanced options to ensure the health and vigor of the poultry.
