If you just started or thinking of starting poultry farming in Kenya, you might be wondering if it is a profitable venture. We prepared this short guide to help you find the answer. So, is chicken farming profitable in Kenya?
Is Chicken Farming Profitable in Kenya?
Yes, chicken farming can be very profitable in Kenya. You just need to invest in the right equipment and knowledge to get started. To maximize profits, it is important to keep your birds healthy and well-fed. You should also focus on producing a quality product that meets the demands of consumers.
Of course, there are many factors that can influence the profitability of raising chicken in Kenya. Some key aspects to consider include the costs of feed, housing, disease management, and labour.
Why We Think Chicken Farming is Profitable in Kenya
There are several reasons why we believe chicken farming can be profitable in Kenya.
These include:
- The high demand for chicken and chicken products
- Low production costs
- Availability of diverse products
- Good climate for chicken rearing
High Demand
The demand for chicken and chicken products is quite high. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Kenyans consume an average of 18 kg of chicken per person per year.
This demand is expected to grow in the future as more people move into urban areas and have higher disposable incomes. There is also an even higher demand for chicken in restaurants, schools, clubs, hospitals, and the local food market.
With the right strategy, you should be able to easily profit from your chicken farming.
Low Production Costs
Another reason chicken farming can be profitable is that the costs of production are relatively low. For example, the cost of chicken feed makes up a large portion of the total production costs.
But, due to Kenya’s favourable climate and abundant supply of maize, the cost of chicken feed is relatively low. In fact, Kenya is one of the leading producers of maize in Africa. Maize makes a big part of chicken feed.
The price of chicken feeds themselves is also relatively low. You can easily get a kilogram of say layers mash for as low as KES 35.
Diverse Products
Another advantage of chicken farming is that there are many different products that can be produced. For example, chicken meat can be sold fresh, frozen, or processed into nuggets or other value-added products.
Chicken eggs are also a valuable product. Some farmers even sell chicken manure as fertilizer. Therefore, by diversifying your products, you can spread out the risk and also increase your overall profits.
Favourable Climate
Kenya has a tropical climate that is favourable for chicken farming. The warm weather is ideal for growing maize, which is the main ingredient in chicken feed.
The ample sunshine also helps to keep chickens healthy and free from disease.
Overall, we believe that chicken farming is a very profitable business in Kenya. With the right knowledge and equipment, you can maximize your profits from this growing industry.
How to Make More Profits With Chicken Farming in Kenya
Chicken farming can be very profitable in Kenya. However, the profitability is not guaranteed and only a few farmers make it. This is mostly because most people do not have the right knowledge and information to get started and make profits
To start and run successful chicken farming in Kenya, you’ll need to:
- Invest in quality equipment
- Build a secure and comfortable chicken coop
- Buy health chicks
- Choose the right chickens (Kienyeji, broilers, layers, improved kienyeji, etc)
- Feed your birds a nutritious diet
- Provide clean water at all times
- Manage diseases and pests effectively
- Monitor your birds regularly
- Produce a quality product that meets the demands of consumers
- Properly market your chicken business
- Look for tenders
- Hire a farm manager
How Much Money Can I Make With a Chicken Farm in Kenya?
The amount of money you can make with a chicken farm in Kenya will depend on a number of factors. Some key considerations include the costs of feed, housing, disease management, and the number of chickens and labour.
However, some estimates suggest that an average-sized chicken farm in Kenya can generate annual profits of up to KES 500,000 per month. This equates to approximately KES 6 million per year.
Some farmers have reported making millions per month while others are still struggling. So, the amount you can make will depend on your own efforts, persistence, marketing strategies and how much you are willing to invest in the farm.
How Many Chickens Do I Need to Make a Profit?
The number of chickens you need to make a profit with poultry farming in Kenya will depend on the size of your farm and production costs.
For example, if you have a small chicken coop that houses 100 birds, you will need to sell your eggs or meat at a higher price to make a profit.
On the other hand, if you have a large chicken farm with 10,000 birds, you will be able to sell your eggs and meat at a lower price and still make a profit.
What Is the Most Profitable Chicken to Raise?
The most profitable chicken to raise in Kenya will usually depend on your local market. Do people in your area buy more eggs than chicken for meat? If yes, then you should raise layers instead of broilers.
On the other hand, if your target customers love kienyeji meat more than broiler, then you should focus on raising more kienyeji chicken.
Other factors to consider include the costs of feed and housing, as well as your desired level of production. For instance, broilers will require more care in terms of feeding and vaccination than kienyeji chicken.
Can You Make a Living Raising Chickens in Kenya?
Yes, you can make a living raising chicken in Kenya. In fact, chicken farming is one of the most profitable businesses in Kenya.
However, making a profit from chicken farming is not easy. You need to have the right knowledge and information to get started and turn a profit.
To make a good living with chicken farming in Kenya, you’ll need to invest heavily in terms of time, equipment, feed, housing, care, and quality chicken.
The Bottom Line
Chicken farming in Kenya can be very profitable. However, it is not an easy business to get into. You need to have the right knowledge and information to make profits. We hope this guide opened up your mind about how chicken farming can be profitable.
The bottom line is, that it is profitable, but you will need to make a lot of sacrifices before you can achieve profitability.
