Farmers want the county government to hasten the provision of chicken for the Sh16 million poultry project that is expected to make Kirinyaga the top eggs producer in Kenya.
The County Government is implementing the project on behalf of the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) under Governor Anne Waiguru’s flagship project known as Wezesha.
“The county government did finalize the construction of chicken houses for us but we are now waiting for the chicken that were to be delivered in February,” said Sylvia Muthengi, a member of one of the poultry group in Thiba area.
When contacted, Governor Waiguru said the farmers should be a little patient with the implementation of the poultry project.
“We did not want our farmers to construct the chicken houses themselves as we want to maintain a certain standard that would enhance healthy growth of the chicks,” she said. “This poultry project is important for us in that we are spending a total of Sh15.9 million to fund close to 37 community groups for mass production of eggs.”
She adds as soon as chicken are delivered, there will be a free provision of chicken feeds for six months to ensure the project takes off without any hitches.
“Farmers will also get free chicken vaccines for six months, technical advice and support on chicken rearing. Group members will be involved in day to day running of the project,” she said.
Under the project, the governor said farmers are guaranteed of a ready market once the chicken starts laying. All the eggs collected will be marketed and sold by Kirinyaga Investment Development Authority (KIDA) thus guaranteeing an income for the farmer.
The project will see a production of about 1 million eggs per month. Each of the groups will get 1,250 chicks that are estimated to lay 1,000 eggs per day. A single group can make at least Sh10,000 per day and about Sh300,000 per month by selling one egg at Sh10.
Apart from being a guaranteed source of income to group members, Waiguru said the poultry project will create employment to the youth who will be engaged in the egg production value chain such as transportation of eggs from the villages to the collection centre and the markets.
“After collection from the villages, the eggs will be taken to a storage facility from where KIDA will package them for marketing.”
She said to ensure that Kirinyaga eggs compete in the local market; the county will reduce the cost of production by manufacturing quality and affordable chicken feeds at the County’s Kiaga Animal Feeds Factory.
The egg project was informed by the existing gaps in local egg production, which makes Kenya import eggs from Uganda. The project was considered after a study by the department of agriculture established its viability in the county.
Some of the targeted markets for the eggs include public institutions such as hospitals and schools, restaurants, supermarkets and other retail and wholesale outlets.
Want to get latest farming tips and videos?
Join Us
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization
with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations,
television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group
is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in
matters of national and international interest.
Causes and solutions of pecking in flock of birds
Newcastle disease: Signs, prevention and treatment
How to reduce mortality on your new poultry farm
How to get your day-old chicks off to a good start
Why Calf Diarrhoea is Common on the Farm
Kenyan agricultural traders eye market opportunities through CIIE
Vihiga farmers minting money from African leafy vegetables
9 causes of decreased egg production in flock
join 