Mary Nyadimo, a farmer based in Mumias, is experiencing significant success in poultry farming, which has evolved from a side venture into her main source of income.
Her farm accommodates 2,000 chickens, comprising 1,000 improved Kienyeji chickens raised primarily for meat and 1,000 layers for egg production.
At the age of 30, she disclosed that she commenced poultry farming in 2023 to enhance her earnings from a traditional food restaurant located in Nairobi’s central business district.
To initiate this venture, she invested Ksh 200,000, which was allocated for the construction of housing facilities, the purchase of feed, and the acquisition of 300 improved Kienyeji chicks.
Motivated by the remarkable success of the initial 300 chicks, the farmer decided to increase her flock by adding 700 additional chicks, followed by another 800.
Nevertheless, she encountered several challenges, including the high cost of feed, which she believes can be disheartening for newcomers to the poultry farming industry.
“I used two bags every week. They cost Sh7000 per week. So, at first, it is very hard, but when they mature and you start selling, you start enjoying. I started selling mine after three months, and the returns were good,” she explained.
Nyadimo discloses that she offers one chicken at approximately Ksh 900 for bulk purchases and Ksh 1,000 for smaller quantities.
She mentioned that this business endeavor has generated over Ksh 1.2 million in profits within a span of less than two years.
Her main clientele includes hotels, private individuals, party hosts, and event planners in Kakamega and its neighboring regions.
Regarding the key to success in poultry farming, Nyadimo emphasized the importance of diligent attention and careful monitoring of the chickens, revealing that she lost nearly two hundred chicks due to inadequate supervision.
“Chickens need you to be there in person, especially when you are starting because even if you hire someone, they will not take care of them like you because they probably don’t know your goals or the money you have invested. So now I split my time between Mumias and Nairobi,” she remarked.