Bomet: Small-scale chicken farmers in Kenya are being urged to transition to commercial operations, a message strongly promoted by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
According to Kenya News Agency, KALRO has developed various technologies, innovations, and management practices aimed at improving production and enhancing market access for farmers. This initiative seeks to increase profitability within the chicken farming sector.
The chicken value chain in Kenya has attracted numerous traders, one of whom is Winnie Cheruiyot from Tumbelion village in Kaplong, Bomet County. Despite her role as a special needs teacher, Cheruiyot pursued her passion for chicken farming, starting with 300 Kalro chicks in 2015. Her journey gained momentum when KALRO identified her as a strategic multiplier in February 2021, training her in chicken management practices including brooding, feeding, and vaccination.
Cheruiyot’s success story exemplifies the positive outcomes of KALRO’s interventions. Her adherence to good agricultural practices significantly reduced chick mortality from 50% to 5%, as noted by Ochieng’ Ouko, a research assistant at the Dairy Research Institute. This improvement has been replicated among smallholder farmers in regions like Silibwet and Longisa.
The Kalro Chicken breeds, known for their rapid growth and adaptability, have been a key factor in boosting production. Dr. Peter Alaru, coordinator of the non-ruminant research program at KALRO, highlighted the breed’s efficiency, noting that they start laying eggs at four-and-a-half months compared to the eight months typical for pure indigenous breeds.
Cheruiyot’s venture has not only resulted in increased egg production but also a thriving market for fertilized eggs and chicken meat. Her role as a chicken multiplier has expanded to include partnerships with other firms and acquisition of a 528-egg incubator, further enhancing her business capacity.
Despite challenges like coccidiosis, Cheruiyot employs preventive measures and advises other farmers to start small and scale up progressively. Dr. Alaru emphasizes the potential of Kalro hens to lay 200-300 eggs annually, contributing significantly to the country’s agricultural GDP.
KALRO’s model, demonstrated through Cheruiyot’s success, aims to inspire more farmers to adopt commercial practices, thereby contributing to Kenya’s food security efforts. Cheruiyot’s story not only showcases individual success but also underscores the broader impact of strategic support in the agricultural sector.