[Beginners Guide] How To Start Poultry Farming In Kenya

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Starting a poultry farm in Kenya can be a lucrative business venture for those with an interest in agriculture. Poultry farming involves raising domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese for meat or egg production.

Starting a poultry farm in Kenya is a great way to make a living and help increase the production of eggs and poultry meat in Kenya. To start poultry in Kenya, the process includes choosing the type of birds you want to keep, researching different birds and their market, finding a suitable location, setting up the farm, procuring your chicks or pullets as the case may be then, watching over your farm and also integrate maintenance system.

So in this guide today, I have prepared in detail all you need to get started which is a beginner-to-pro guide, if there is other information you need to know after reading this guide, you may drop in the comment section below.

How to Start Poultry Farming in Kenya Step By Step Guide

Table of Contents

One of the most lucrative agricultural endeavors is raising poultry, this is because, research demonstrates that agriculture contributes 25% of GDP in Kenya with poultry playing a major role, representing 30% of the agricultural contribution to GDP.

This is a pointer to show you that, Kenyan farmers have been doing well in the area of Poultry farming and many have become so much successful in this venture. So, to first answer your doubt, is the poultry business worth it? Yes! it is, poultry farming is lucrative in Kenya if properly monitored and cared for.

So follow my step-by-step guide below to start farming Poultry in Kenya:

Step 1: Conduct Market Research

The first thing to do when starting any business at all is conduct market research, this is crucial because, you need to know about the birds you are about to keep, have information about each bird, have information about their markets, learn about their brooding, how to care and tend for them, how easy it is to keep them.

Not only that, you need to also have information on how to formulate their feed, how to regulate their house, and what to watch out for when keeping these birds, These are what give you a broad insight into knowing when to take action while you see anything strange in your farm.

Also, you need to understand the demand for poultry products in your target market, the competition, and the prevailing market prices. Do not start any farm if you are unsure of where to sell your products to avoid running at a very frustrating loss. This will help you make informed decisions about the size of your poultry farm, the types of poultry to raise, and the best marketing strategies to use.

You can conduct market research by talking to potential customers, visiting local markets, and researching online. But in the long run, it will tell well in your farm how prepared you were before starting out.

Step 2: Develop a Business Plan

After conducting market research, the next step is to develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, birds to keep, marketing strategies, production processes, and financial projections.

Your business plan should cover all aspects of your poultry farming operation, including the number and types of birds to be raised, the sources of feed and other inputs, the management and labor requirements, and the projected income and expenses.

It should also include a marketing plan that outlines how you will promote and sell your poultry products. Having a solid business plan will help you stay focused and make informed decisions as you start and grow your poultry farm. to read more about my Poultry farming business guide written by me to help farmers, follow this link to read more about it.

Step 3: Choose a Suitable Poultry Farm Location

Next thing to do is to choose a suitable and conducive farm location for your birds. When choosing a location for your poultry farm in Kenya, it’s important to consider several factors. The location should have ample space for the birds to roam freely, allowing for proper ventilation and sunlight exposure.

It should also be easily accessible for deliveries of supplies and the transportation of poultry products. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the location has a reliable source of water and electricity, which are essential for the daily operation of the farm.

Also do not choose an area that is waterlogged, noisy, or close to potential bird predators such as snakes, foxes, and dangerous wild animals.

Step 4: Acquire Necessary Equipment

To start a profitable poultry farm in Kenya, you will need to acquire the necessary equipment to ensure the health and well-being of your birds. This includes incubators, brooders, feeders, drinkers, and cages. You can either purchase new equipment from suppliers or buy second-hand equipment to reduce costs.

It’s important to choose equipment that is durable, easy to clean, and suited for the type and number of birds you plan to raise.

Furthermore, it’s important to regularly maintain and replace equipment as needed to ensure the safety and comfort of your birds.

Step 5: Choose the Type of Poultry to Raise

When starting a poultry farm in Kenya, it is crucial to choose the type of poultry that suits your target market and climate. You can choose to raise broilers, layers, or dual-purpose breeds.

This is an important stage to critically examine in your farming career, Choosing the right birds, and the right breed will go a long way to help you stay in business or back out easily owing to frustration. There are loads of poultry Farmers who have lamented bitterly on prevailing loss in their business owing to high mortality rate, while some started keeping birds they have zero knowledge of.

As a beginner, it is best advised to start with fewer than 100 birds to first keep, manage, and get out your running costs, your profits, mortality, what you did well, and what you are not doing well and must take action to guard against.

As a rule of thumb for me when starting a new area in farming, I ensure I test with fewer specimens at least 2 to 4 times and I see my success rate before embarking on it fully. You can also cultivate this habit, which will help you grow well in your poultry career.

Broilers are raised for meat production, while layers are kept for egg production. Dual-purpose breeds, as the name suggests, are used for both meat and egg production.

Factors such as availability of feed, market demand, and climate should be considered when choosing the breed of poultry to raise.

Step 6: Purchase Day-Old Chicks

After selecting the type of poultry to raise, the next step is to purchase day-old chicks from a reputable hatchery or supplier. It is essential to buy high-quality chicks that are disease-free and of the appropriate breed.

Day-old chicks are preferred because they are easier to handle and adapt well to their new environment. When purchasing chicks, ensure that they are vaccinated and have undergone appropriate health checks to prevent the spread of disease in your flock.

It is advisable to purchase a few extra chicks to replace any that may die during transit or due to other causes.

Step 7: Provide Adequate Housing

When it comes to poultry farming, providing adequate housing is crucial for the health and well-being of the birds. The housing should be designed in a way that provides enough space for the birds to move around freely and ensures proper ventilation.

The housing should also be kept clean to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. More so, the housing should be secure enough to prevent predators such as snakes, rats, and wild animals from attacking the birds.

Poultry housing can take different forms, including free-range, semi-intensive, or intensive systems.

Choose a housing system that is suitable for your poultry farming needs, budget, and available space. Below are common poultry houses you can construct or purchase. Here is a guide on how to build poultry house.

#1. Deep Litter System

This system involves providing a floor covered with a thick layer of litter material, such as wood shavings, sawdust, or straw. The litter is changed periodically to maintain cleanliness, and the droppings and litter are composted for use as fertilizer. To know more here is a guide I wrote on how to build a layers house.

#2. Battery Cage System

Battery cages are commonly used in commercial poultry farming. They consist of small individual cages, usually made of wire mesh, arranged in rows and stacked vertically. The cages are designed to maximize space utilization and make it easier to manage the birds.

#3. Free-range System

Free-range poultry farming involves allowing the birds to roam and forage in a designated area. This system provides the birds with access to fresh air, sunlight, and a more natural environment.

#. Semi-intensive System

This system combines aspects of the deep litter and free-range systems. The birds are housed in a semi-enclosed structure with a designated area for foraging and exercise. The litter is periodically changed to maintain cleanliness.

Step 8: Feed and Water Management

Proper feed and water management are essential for the success of your poultry farming venture. The birds require a balanced diet to grow and produce eggs, and they need clean water to stay healthy.

Poultry feeds should be nutritionally balanced and contain the right mix of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

You can buy ready-made feeds or make your own using locally available ingredients such as maize, soybean meal, and fishmeal.

It’s important to ensure that the feed is fresh and free from contaminants such as mold, which can cause health problems in birds.

Furthermore, access to clean drinking water is critical for poultry health and productivity.

Provide clean and fresh water to the birds at all times, and make sure the water containers are cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria.

The water should be changed at least once a day to ensure it’s fresh and free from contaminants.

Therefore, it is important to establish a regular feeding and watering schedule to ensure that the birds receive the right amount of feed and water.

Poultry should be fed at least twice a day, and the feeding schedule can be adjusted depending on factors such as age, breed, and production stage.

Step 9: Implement Health Management Practices

Proper health management practices are crucial for the success of any poultry farm in Kenya. Vaccination and deworming should be done regularly to prevent diseases and parasites that can negatively impact the health and productivity of your birds.

You should work with a veterinary specialist to create a health management plan tailored to the specific needs of your birds.

Regular health checks should also be conducted to monitor the health status of your flock and identify any potential health issues early on.

Read Also: 20 Common Diseases In Poultry Farm

By implementing these health management practices, you can ensure the long-term health and productivity of your poultry farm in Kenya.

Step 10: Market Your Poultry Products

Marketing your poultry products is an essential step to ensure that your business is profitable. You should start by identifying your target market, which can include individual consumers, retailers, restaurants, hotels, and other institutions.

You can make your poultry products by participating in farmers’ markets, also approach supermarkets and negotiate supply contracts with them.

Additionally, word of mouth is also a powerful marketing tool, so always strive to deliver exceptional products and customer service, and you can as well leverage the power of social media and online platforms to promote your products and reach a wider audience.

Breeds of Poultry Birds that are Raised in Kenya

There are several breeds of poultry birds that are raised in Kenya. Some of the common breeds of chickens include Kuroiler, Kenbro, Rainbow Rooster, and Indigenous chicken.

Kuroiler and Kenbro are popular due to their fast growth rate and high egg production. Rainbow Rooster is another popular breed that is known for its strong immunity and resistance to diseases.

Indigenous chicken, on the other hand, is a hardy breed that is well adapted to the Kenyan climate.

For ducks, the Khaki Campbell breed is the most commonly raised due to its high egg-laying ability. Geese and turkeys are also raised, but on a smaller scale compared to chickens and ducks.

Benefits of Poultry Farming in Kenya

Poultry farming in Kenya has numerous benefits, including a ready market for poultry products such as eggs and meat, relatively low startup costs, and high returns on investment.

Poultry products are also in high demand, making it a profitable venture for farmers. Also, poultry farming is a good source of employment, particularly for youth and women, and can contribute to food security in the country.

Cost of Starting Poultry Farm in Kenya

The cost of starting a poultry farm in Kenya will depend on the scale of the operation and the type of poultry being raised.

On average, the cost of starting a small-scale poultry farm can range from Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 200,000, while a medium to large-scale poultry farm can cost between Ksh 500,000 to Ksh 5 million.

Costs include the construction of housing facilities, purchase of equipment such as incubators, feeders, and drinkers, and initial purchase of birds and feed.

Projected Profit of Poultry Farming in Kenya

The profit potential of poultry farming in Kenya is high, with returns on investment ranging from 30% to 50%. A well-managed poultry farm can generate a profit of up to Ksh 500,000 annually for a small-scale operation and up to Ksh 10 million for a medium to large-scale operation.

Common Diseases and Pests of Poultry Farming

Poultry farming is susceptible to various diseases and pests, such as Newcastle disease, coccidiosis, and mites. It is important for farmers to practice good biosecurity measures, including regular vaccination of birds, proper hygiene practices, and pest control.

How much is Poultry Produce Sold in Kenya

The price of poultry produce such as eggs and meat varies depending on the location and market demand. On average, a tray of eggs (30 eggs) can be sold for Ksh 300 to Ksh 400, while a kilogram of chicken meat can fetch between Ksh 300 to Ksh 500.

Best Practices of Poultry Farming in Kenya

Some best practices of poultry farming in Kenya include providing clean and adequate housing, good nutrition through proper feeding, regular health check-ups, and practicing biosecurity measures.

Also, farmers should keep proper records of their operations to monitor progress and identify areas for improvement.

Challenges of Poultry Farming in Kenya

Some of the challenges of poultry farming in Kenya include the high cost of inputs such as feed and vaccines, competition from imported poultry products, and outbreaks of diseases that can wipe out entire flocks.

More so, limited access to credit facilities and lack of technical expertise among farmers can also hinder the growth of the industry.

Where to Sell Poultry Produce

Farmers can sell their poultry products in various markets such as local supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants.

Also, there are specialized markets such as the Nairobi City Market and the Kariokor Market that deal exclusively in poultry products.

Industries that Demand for Poultry Produce

There are several industries in Kenya that have a high demand for poultry products. The main industries that require poultry products include:

#1. Food Processing Industry

The food processing industry is the largest consumer of poultry products in Kenya. Chicken meat and eggs are used in a variety of food products such as sausages, burgers, and baked goods.

#2. Hotel and Restaurant Industry

The hotel and restaurant industry is another major consumer of poultry products. They use chicken meat and eggs to prepare various dishes, such as fried chicken, chicken curry, and omelets.

#3. Retail and Supermarket Industry

Retailers and supermarkets sell poultry products such as chicken meat, eggs, and other poultry products to consumers. They are an essential link between the farmers and the consumers.

#4. Export Industry

The export of poultry products is a growing industry in Kenya. There is a high demand for Kenyan poultry products in the international market, especially in the Middle East and Europe.

How Much Money Do I Need to Start a Poultry Farm in Kenya

The amount of money required to start a poultry farm in Kenya depends on various factors, such as the scale of the operation, the type of birds to be reared, and the location of the farm.

However, on average, a poultry farmer in Kenya needs to have a starting capital of between Ksh. 100,000 and Ksh. 500,000 ($1,000 to $5,000).

Cost of Rearing 100 Layers in Kenya

The cost of rearing 100 layers in Kenya varies depending on several factors, such as the cost of feeds, labor, and medication. On average, the cost of rearing 100 layers in Kenya can range between Ksh. 50,000 to Ksh.

100,000 ($500 to $1,000) for the entire production cycle of 18-20 weeks. This cost includes the purchase of chicks, feeds, vaccines, and other inputs.

Poultry Farming in Kenya Kienyeji

Kienyeji poultry farming in Kenya refers to the rearing of indigenous chicken breeds.

Kienyeji chicken farming is popular in Kenya due to the birds’ high resistance to diseases, adaptability to different environments, and suitability for both meat and egg production.

Kienyeji chicken farming is a profitable venture, and with proper management, farmers can realize significant returns on investment.

Requirements for Poultry Farming

To start a successful poultry farming venture, farmers need to have the following requirements:

Suitable land for the farm

Good quality feeds
Proper housing and ventilation for the birds
Clean water supply

Access to veterinary services
Good marketing channels for the products.

How to Start Poultry Farming

To start poultry farming in Kenya, farmers should follow the following steps:

Conduct market research and develop a business plan
Acquire suitable land for the farm
Construct suitable housing for the birds

Purchase high-quality chicks or eggs
Provide proper feeding and management
Observe biosecurity measures to prevent diseases

Monitor and evaluate the production process
Develop effective marketing strategies.

Poultry Farming in Kenya

Poultry farming is a profitable venture in Kenya, with a growing demand for poultry products such as meat and eggs.

Poultry farming in Kenya has several advantages, such as the birds’ fast growth rate, high reproductive potential, and short production cycle.

With proper management and adequate resources, farmers can realize significant profits from poultry farming.

Kienyeji Chicken Farming PDF

The Kienyeji chicken farming PDF is a comprehensive guide that provides information on how to start and manage a successful Kienyeji chicken farming venture in Kenya.

The guide includes information on housing, feeding, management, and disease control, among others. The Kienyeji chicken farming PDF is a valuable resource for both new and experienced poultry farmers.

Poultry Farming for Beginners PDF

The Poultry Farming for Beginners PDF is a useful guide that provides information on the basics of poultry farming, including the different types of poultry, housing, feeding, and management.

The guide is designed to help beginners start their poultry farming venture successfully.

The Poultry Farming for Beginners PDF is a valuable resource for individuals interested in starting poultry farming in Kenya.

Conclusion

Planning and preparation are essential when starting a poultry farm in Kenya. Entrepreneurs should conduct thorough market research, develop a business plan, secure funding, and acquire the necessary equipment and facilities. Success in the poultry industry depends on factors such as proper management, disease control, and efficient production methods.