Life often takes unexpected turns, leading individuals down paths they never envisioned.
For Raphael Mbugua, a 29-year-old Kenyan from Tinganga in Kiambu County, his journey from studying criminal justice to becoming a successful poultry farmer is one such remarkable twist.
Having pursued a degree in criminal justice and security studies in college, Raphael’s career initially seemed destined for a different path.
However, fate had other plans for him.
Today, he stands as a thriving entrepreneur in the field of poultry farming, successfully managing various aspects of the industry, from meat production to egg laying and ornamental bird breeding.
Raphael’s venture into poultry farming began on his parents’ three-quarter-acre piece of land.
Here, he raises a diverse range of poultry, including indigenous and broiler chickens, ducks, Muscovy ducks, and guinea fowls.
What’s particularly impressive is that he’s achieved significant success in just one year of engaging in this agricultural enterprise.
“I typically collect between 80 and 120 eggs daily, translating to 2,400 to 3,000 eggs per month. On the other hand, I sell around 10 to 15 chickens each month,” he shares, noting that his customers consist of local stores, neighborhood hotels, and friends
One of the key highlights of his poultry farming operation is his commitment to natural and chemical-free feeds.
Unlike many poultry farmers who rely on commercial poultry feed formulated with various chemicals and additives, Raphael opts for a more holistic approach.
His poultry enjoy a diet composed of locally sourced ingredients, including maize, wheat, rice, sunflower seed residues (after oil extraction), barley, millet, and even weeds found in the vicinity.
“I primarily use natural ingredients like maize, wheat, rice, sunflower seed residues, barley, millet, and weeds, among other local products,” Raphael explains.
These ingredients are procured from local farms and markets, ensuring that his poultry are nourished with wholesome and chemical-free nutrition.
Raphael’s decision to employ natural feeds is motivated by a desire to encourage healthier dietary choices and raise awareness about the profound connection between food and well-being.
He firmly believes that the increase in lifestyle-related diseases, such as obesity, can be attributed in part to the quality of food consumed.
Raphael’s journey into poultry farming commenced in 2020 when he embarked on incubating three trays of eggs, which he had purchased from a friend who was a farmer.
This humble beginning led to the hatching of 89 chicks.
Additionally, he acquired 40 mature birds from local farmers. Initially, his involvement in poultry farming was more of a pastime.
However, everything changed when he returned from abroad and found himself confronted with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 lockdown.
Determined to make the most of his time and resources, Raphael decided to fully commit to his newfound passion: poultry farming.
As time passed, Raphael’s reputation as a poultry farmer grew, and friends and acquaintances began placing orders for meat and eggs from his farm.
This positive response encouraged him to explore opportunities for increased income within the poultry industry.
He began offering services such as selling fertilizer, providing chicks, and offering incubation services.
Despite the typical challenges faced by entrepreneurs, including fluctuating sales and the high cost of producing homemade feeds, Raphael remains undeterred in his pursuit of expanding his poultry farming business.
His future plans include scaling up production by offering chicks and eggs on a larger scale, establishing a research training center, and exploring opportunities for exporting his products.
