In Bungoma County, Joseph Waswa embarked on a poultry farming venture that defied uncertainties and challenges, ultimately leading to remarkable success.
Armed with a modest initial investment, Waswa ventured into the world of poultry keeping, starting with 10,000 birds.
Little did he know that his decision would soon prove to be a game-changer, not only for his livelihood but also for the local community.
Waswa’s farm, named Melpa Poultry Farm, is located in the picturesque Tete area within the Webuye East constituency.
This two-acre piece of land has become a hub of activity, bustling with the comings and goings of over 13,000 birds, primarily layers.
What sets Melpa Poultry Farm apart is not just its impressive numbers, but the carefully curated strategies that have led to its success.
One of the standout features of Waswa’s operation is his keen understanding of the market.
While the prospect of market demand was uncertain at the outset, Waswa’s gamble paid off.
He found ready markets within Bungoma, selling his eggs to schools, shops, homes, hospitals, and various institutions.
We have ready market within Bungoma for our eggs that we sell in schools, shops, homes, hospitals and other institutions at between Sh270 and Sh330 per crate,” Waswa revealed.
A key driver of his profitability lies in his innovative approach to feed production.
Waswa decided to take matters into his own hands by investing in a feed-making machine.
This move enabled him to craft his own feed mixture using locally sourced ingredients, including maize germ, calcium grit, concentrate, broken maize, and wheat bran.
By producing his own feeds, he managed to significantly cut down on production costs, a decision that continues to yield substantial savings for his farm.
Waswa’s resourcefulness extends beyond feed production. While he sometimes sources feeds from Uganda due to cost advantages, he recognized the potential of producing his own feeds on-site.
However, Waswa’s journey has not been without its challenges.
Competition from neighboring markets in Uganda, where eggs are supplied at lower prices, posed a real threat to his pricing strategy.
“The price fluctuate once in a while in an year depending on the market demand and the supplies,” he said
Additionally, diseases such as Newcastle disease and respiratory issues cast a shadow over his poultry health.
To overcome these hurdles, Waswa emphasizes the importance of robust biosecurity measures and diligent care, a practice he takes seriously by employing over ten workers who oversee feeding, cleaning, and medication.
Looking forward, Waswa envisions expanding his operation to an impressive scale of over 100,000 birds.
“My future plans is to expand and have over 100,000 birds and be the biggest supplier in all my neighbouring markets,” Joseph Waswa said