kienyeji chicken business plan pdf free download

How to Start Profitable Kienyeji Chicken Farming in Kenya. Download FREE Business Plan

Kienyeji chicken is a broad name used for indigenous chicken breeds in Kenya, mostly reared in the village under the free-range method. They are also referred to as village chicken or road runners in other regions. 

Farming Kienyeji is becoming popular in Kenya today because the chicken is considered organic and hence the preferred healthier option. 

Kienyeji chicken farming can bring in good returns or lead to great losses. We did a survey among 50 Kienyeji poultry farmers asking them to tell us their challenges. One farmer exclaimed,

“I am feeding them with zero returns ! ”. 

Is kienyeji chicken farming profitable? You may be asking.  Kienyeji chicken can be profitable if you run your chicken farming enterprise like a business, with a proper chicken business plan.  In this article, we look at exactly that. How to make your chicken farming worth your time and money. We will also guide you on developing a business plan that will work for your Kienyeji chicken farm.

NB: The Kienyeji Chicken Farming Business Plan is available for download at the bottom of this article. 

The case for Kienyeji Chicken

Before starting your own kienyeji chicken venture, you will need to ask yourself one question. Why? Why go into chicken farming? Why keep Kienyeji chicken instead of hybrid broilers or layers? 

There are several reasons why farmers consider keeping kienyeji chicken. These are:-

• Ease of entry  – It is very easy to start rearing Kienyeji chicken. No much initial capital is required, especially if you are doing it as a hobby or trial. Getting one rooster(male chicken) and two hens are enough to start.  When the hens start laying, let them sit on eggs. If each hen hatches 10 chicks, and is let to brood them for 2 months, then lay for another month, you should have at least 60 chicken at the end of one year. Assuming zero mortality and no chicken is disposed of, you should have hundreds of Kienyeji chicken by the end of the second year. 
• The hardiness of kienyeji chicken  – Kienyeji chicken are known to be hardy.  They have better resistance to disease than hybrid chicken. When it comes to feeding, they can forage for their own feed.  Some breeds are known to have the ability to survive on agricultural waste alone. With hybrid chicken have to feed on a well balanced well-formulated feed ration throughout in order to achieve maximum productivity. 
• Increased demand for Kienyeji eggs and Kienyeji meat  –  As Kenyans become more health-conscious, there is increased demand for Kienyeji eggs and meat. There are are perceived to be more healthy. The growing niches such as purely free-range chicken, antibiotic-free chickens, improved kienyeji chicken, etc. 

Free Range Eggs

Origin of the improved Kienyeji Chicken

Most Kienyeji chicken have been overbred, leading to lower productivity.  This is both to lower productivity both in the number of eggs and average weight gain 

Research by the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) of the United Nations,  recorded that village chickens lay an average of 23 eggs per year (In Gambia) and an average of 123 eggs per year (Ethiopia) . The difference in numbers from Gambia and Ethiopia is because in Ethiopia, farmers we found to interfere with the laying cycle, by discouraging brooding. 

It is also very hard to have performance indicators for village chickens e.g it is hard to know the expected number of eggs at a certain age, or the expected weight at let’s say 4 months. 

These challenges led to a number of organizations, in Kenya and abroad to undertake research to improve the village (kienyeji) chickens. The goals of the research was to develop a chicken breed:- 

• That has the good qualities of Kienyeji chicken
• That has a higher productivity
• Where it is possible to track performance. 
• That matures faster. 

The several distinct researches came up with chicken breeds with improved by either:-

• Breeding Indegenous breeds with hybrid chickens. 
• Breeding Indegenous breeds that have good qualities with other indegenous breeds that have good qualities. 

Improved Kienyeji Breeds

There are 5 common improved Kienyeji breeds in Kenya. These are 

1.  Kari Improved Kienyeji

Developed by Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization by breeding Local village chicken that had the best qualities. 

2.  Rainbow Rooster Improved Kienyeji

Developed by IndBro in India, as a part of a government-funded program to improve the livelihood of rural low-income earners. Rainbow rooster is imported to Kenya by KukuChic Limited, who hatch the eggs and sell chicks across the country

3.  Kuroiler  

Kuroiler is imported to Kenya via Uganda, where there is a hatchery for F1 at Entebbe, Uganda. Kuroiler was first developed in India. Most of the Kuroiler sold in Kenya will either be F2 or F3 and will not be as productive as the F1 Kuroilers. 

4.  Kenbro

Kenbro is sold by Kenchic Limited and is meant to be the replacement of the Kienyeji chicken. 

5.   Sasso   – Sasso chicken, named after the company that developed them in France is meant to be a free-range broiler, that can also be kept under the intensive system.

Farming methods for Kienyeji Chicken

Traditionally, Kienyeji chicken have been kept under the extensive system, where they are let free to scavenge for their own feed. Once in a while, the feed is supplemented by giving the chicken grains. With this method, there is minimal medication and access to veterinary officers. 

The chicken are housed on temporary structures and in some cases spend the night with other livestock or in the room that is not used by the farmer’s family at night, for example, the kitchen. 

There is no protection from predators. With this traditional system, the flock never gets to grow big, where the farmer can benefit from economies of scale. There is no flock management, but the farmer sells chicken when he needs to. Though the costs are very minimal in this system, there is no way to measure profitability. 

A solution to these issues is to keep the Kienyeji chicken, using modern poultry farming methods, while reaping the benefits of the traditional system, e.g keeping the costs down. 

The modern systems of poultry farming are:-

• Free-range system  – 

Under the free-range system, the chicken are left to roam around the farm and scavenge for their own food. There is minimal or no supplementation when it comes to feeds. 

The chicken are housed at night to protect them from predators and adverse weather. There are some modifications of this method of poultry farming, namely the pastured system and the yarding system. 

• Semi-intensive system

Under the semi-intensive system,  the chicken are kept in a fenced run, where they can roam around.  The run is attached to the house where they sleep at night. Food and water are provided by the farmer. 

• Intensive system  

Under this system, the chicken are kept in a house or cages. Under this system, there is the deep litter system, the slatted system and the cage system. This system allows a large number of birds to be kept in a small piece of land. Food, Water, lighting and other poultry needs are provided by the farmer. 

• Pastured Poultry System

Under the pastured poultry system, the chicken are kept in temporary fenced paddocks or kept in chicken tractors and moved to a new paddock every few days. They spend the night in the chicken tractors or movable coops inside the paddocks. This is a modification of the free-range system, where the chicken can scavenge for their own feed but are provided with water and security. 

The paddocks are fenced using movable fences, sometimes powered by electricity so as to keep predators away and the chicken inside. 

Supplemental feed is given to the chicken to meet their nutrient quota. The chicken eat insects, grass and other vegetation in the paddock. Moving the chicken allows the vegetation on the paddock to regenerate and grow again.

In some cases, the chicken follow the herbivores that have been feeding on the paddock. When the herbivores move to the next paddock, the chicken are moved to the paddock where the herbivores were. This allows the chicken to benefit from the bugs in the animal droppings.  The land also benefits as the chicken spread the animal droppings when they are scratching. 

• Yarding Poultry System

Yarding is similar to the pastured poultry system, but the herbivores and the chicken exist on the same paddock and are moved together to the next paddock. 

• Organic Poultry System

Under the organic poultry system, either the free-range, semi-intensive, pastured or yarding systems are preferred, though the intensive system can also be used. 

In this system, any substance that leaves chemical residues in the eggs and chicken meat are not used on the chicken. This includes antibiotics and insecticides. Organic methods of treatment and pest/parasite controls are used. 

The recommended stocking density under the organic system is 1000 birds per hectare and not more than 2000 birds per house if the intensive system is used. 

The feed must be organic and only specific non-organic additives are allowed in the feed. 

Movable fence for chicken paddocks

Housing for Kienyeji Chicken

In order to make a profit from your Kienyeji chicken business, you will need to offer them good housing. When your chicken is comfortable, they will be more productive. Below are the qualities of good housing for your Kienyeji Chicken:

• Keeps the chicken safe from predators 

The house and range/chicken run should keep the chicken safe from predators. 

• Free from environmental extremes like strong wind, cold and heat 

Exposure to extreme environmental elements can affect your Kienyeji chicken flock negatively, leading to death, stunted growth and diseases. 

• Clean and easy to clean

The chicken house should always be clean and constructed in such a way that it is easy to clean. 

• Adequate Lighting

There should be enough lighting in the chicken house. Lighting affects chicken development and productivity. For laying hens, nesting boxes should be a bit dimmer and private. Construct the chicken house so that you can provide supplemental lighting if need be.  Extra lighting, especially for laying hens can lead to increased productivity. 

• Well Ventilated

The chicken house should have enough airflow, to allow for the birds to have clean air.  It also allows for ammonia from the chicken droppings to exit the chicken house. 

• Controlled Access

Not every tom, dick and harry should get into the chicken house anytime they want to. The house should be constructed in such a manner that it is easy to control who gets in and when. Anyone getting in should use a foot bath at the entrance, in order to avoid the spread of diseases. 

• Ease of egg collection

The house should be constructed in such a way that the farmer will be able to collect eggs without stressing the birds, and in the least time possible. 

• Separation of age and variety of birds  

Separation of birds according to age and variety has several benefits, including tracking the performance of the flock, giving age-appropriate feed, vaccination and disease control.  Each age group should be housed separately

• Correct stocking density

The house should have the right number of chicken. Overcrowding leads to numerous issues, culminating in less productivity.

Fenced Kienyeji Chicken House Layout with Foot Bath at the entrance. Source: KALRO

Feeding Kienyeji Chicken

A lot of research has gone into chicken nutrition, with great recommendations on nutrients for optimal performance. One of the reasons Kienyeji chickens farmers do not make a considerable profit is they leave feeding of their chickens to fate, feeding them whatever is available at any given time. 

Think of chickens like human beings, who need different nutrients at different ages. Lack of these nutrients, at a specific age, will lead to low immunity, stunted growth, and impaired development.  This is the same for chicken. 

There is a misconception in the market that you can give your chicken one type of feed for all different ages. In the Kenyan market, it is branded as Kienyeji Mash.  This would be similar to feeding a human baby the same feed e.g rice and beans from birth until they grow old. 

Whether you are making your own feed or supplementing with what is available, the chicken needs specific feed mixes with specific nutrients at different ages. Chicken feed is divided into different growth stages and the purpose of the birds:

Starter chicken feed is meant for baby chickens.  They are packed with nutrients needed for the development of chicks. Starter feeds have a high level of protein of 22%-24%  for meat chicks and 20% for layer chicks. If you are raising you are Kienyeji chicken for meat, you should give the starter required for meat birds, and similarly, if you are raising them for eggs, you should give then the starter feed for laying birds. 

Starter chicken feed comes either in medicated form or unmedicated form. The medicated form contains antibiotics, for fighting against bacterial diseases such as coccidiosis. The unmedicated form is ideal if you are raising organic chicken. 

• Grower Pullet

Grower Pullet chicken feeds are meant for teenage chicken that is being kept for laying eggs. They have 18% protein content. The lower protein content is meant for the birds to develop stronger bones, and get to the right laying weight gradually. 

Too much protein will make the birds lay too early before the productive systems are well developed. This will lead to several health issues and will have a negative effect. 

Grower pullet feed is fed to chickens until 14 weeks. 

• Grower Pullet Finisher

Grower pullet finisher is meant to transition the laying chicken from grower pullet to layers mash.  This is given to the chicken from 14 weeks to 22 weeks when they start laying. Grover pullet finisher contains 16% protein. 

• Layers Mash

 At about 22 weeks of age, the chicken being raised for eggs are ready for laying. At this age, they are transitioned to layers mash, which contains 16% to 18% protein and extra calcium that is needed for strong eggshells. 

• Broiler Mash

Broiler mash has high protein content and is meant for chicken being raised for meat. It contains 20% protein and is meant to make the chicken gain weight. Normal broilers are slaughtered at between 6 to 8 weeks.  This is not the case for Kienyeji chicken, which are usually ready for slaughter at between 4 to 6 months, depending on the breed. For Kienyeji chicken, it is recommended to transition to 16% protein after 12 weeks, until they are ready for slaughter. 

Clean and fresh drinking water is one of the most important requirements for chicken.  Chicken drink doubles the amount of feed they take in weight. For instance, if the chicken takes 5 grams of food, they need 10 grams of water. Less water leads to poor digestion, meaning that the feed given goes to waste and the chicken farmer will not achieve the desired results.

Vaccination Schedule for Kienyeji Chicken

Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) recommends vaccination against Marek’s disease, Newcastle disease, Infectious bronchitis, Gumboro, Fowl Pox, Fowl Typhoid and Deworming. 

You can download the  Kienyeji chicken vaccination schedule here . This should be adequate for both the Kienyeji and Improved Kienyeji breeds. 

Purpose of a Kienyeji Chicken Farming Business Plan

A chicken business plans to organize your thoughts.

A chicken farming business plan will help you put your thoughts on the chicken farming business in a structured way. Most of the time we have good business ideas but without structuring the ideas it will be hard to bring them to life. 

Chicken business plans help you to validate your thoughts on paper

A chicken farming business plan will help you give a closer look into your idea. When you put the plan in writing it will help you know what will work and what will not. Validating your idea on paper will help you reduce the risk of pursuing the wrong opportunity. 

An example is that you might think keeping chicken for eggs is more profitable, but when you put it on paper, you might find based on your target market area, keeping chicken for meat might provide good profits and quick cash flow. You might have thought that supplying eggs to institutions around your area is better, but when you put the idea on paper, you find out that consumers in your area prefer farm fresh organic eggs and are willing to pay more for them than the institutions. 

Most of the time, our ideas are based on assumptions. Putting the ideas on paper helps us validate these assumptions, establishing what will work and what might need to be streamlined. 

A business plan will also help you uncover new opportunities that you might not have identified before.   

A chicken business plan helps you stay on track

A chicken farming business plan acts as a road map that will help you achieve the envisioned success. Since the business plans have an outlook of three to 5 years, you will not be swayed by every new fad that comes your way. 

A well researched and thought out business plan will act as the lighthouse that leads you to the shores of success. 

A chicken business plan helps you to prepare for the future

A chicken business plan gives you a long term outlook for your kienyeji chicken farming business. It will help you know what to expect 6 months into the future when your chicken starts laying. It will help you handle the challenges that come with the business and seize new opportunities that come your way. Opportunity favors the prepared. 

Establish milestones for your chicken farming business.

Milestones are those important stages that your chicken business will pass through. They are markers of success. What will success look like in six months, one year, three years or five years? 

Milestones encourage you to stay on course as you pursue your plan.  They might be based on achieving certain production metrics or a certain income level. 

A chicken farming business plan helps you understand your competition. 

One of the issues with any business is competition. A well thought out plan will help you know what your competition is doing and what you can do to get their market share. What can you do better than them? Is it customer service? packaging? delivery? 

To better understand your customer.

To whom will you be selling the products from your chicken business? What is important to them? As they say, the Customer is King. A chicken business plan will help you better understand your customers and how to serve them. 

Sometimes we think of starting a chicken farming business because of what we like or want. I might like fluffy pillows made of soft chicken feathers.  But the question is does the customer want the same? Will they be willing to pay for it? 

What is the age of your customers? How often do they need your product? Do they prefer yellow yolk free-range chicken eggs or layer eggs? What is important to them? Price or Quality? Answering this and many other questions will help you know exactly who you will be dealing with and how to meet them at their point of need.

A chicken business plan helps document your revenue model

Show me the money. You might be starting the business to meet a specific need but at the end of the day, it is about making profits. How will you make money? This is one of the major questions your chicken farming business plan will be answering. 

You will be offering value to your customers and they will be paying for that value. A revenue model will help you determine how to get the most value to your customers.  This in turn will translate to your customer providing revenue to your business. 

A chicken business plan helps you know how much money you need. 

A business plan helps you know how much money you will require to start your business and keep it running. The startup cost is the amount of money you will be required to start the chicken farming business up to the point that the business starts bringing in revenue. An example would be the cost of constructing the poultry house, cost of chicks, or cost of drinkers and feeders. 

Whether you are keeping chicken for eggs, note that you will not make money until you sell the product. You will be spending money up to that point. This money will need to come from somewhere. You do not want to start keeping chicken for eggs and give up on the fourth month since you cannot afford to buy their feed. 

A chicken business plan will help you know exactly how much you will need. Note that this might vary depending on different conditions. An example is if the cost of feed increases at a certain season. A business plan will help you plan for this. 

A chicken business plan helps you attract investors

Where will the money to start and run your chicken farming business come from? How will you convince the source that it is worthwhile? 

Whether you are financing the business yourself or borrowing money from friends and family, or getting loans from the bank, you need to have a well-written plan of how much you need, how you will spend it and how you will make more money to offset the money put into the business. This is in addition to making a profit that will be worthwhile investing in the chicken farming business. 

A chicken business plan helps force you to research and understand your market

A poultry farming business plan will help you know your market and how to produce for them.  If your customer buys eggs based on price, you will know how to control your production so that you can sell a price your customer will be comfortable with. 

You need to realize that sometime your customer might not be the consumer. If your target market is supermarkets and shops, you need to sell to them at a price where they will also be able to make a profit after selling the product from your chicken farm. 

A chicken business plan identifies who to partner with.

The partners for your chicken farming business will include day-old chick suppliers,  feed suppliers, agro vets, vets among many others. A business plan will help you identify these partners in your area how they operate and how to work with them. 

You might find it cheaper to partner with a feed supplier who delivers chicken feed to your farm than having to go to the shops and buy. Hatcheries that supply day-old chicks might need you to book in advance. In case of a disease outbreak, are there vets in your area that you can call on short notice? 

A business plan will let you know who you need to partner with in order to achieve success in your business.

A chicken business plan will help you know who you need to hire 

How much work will be needed to be done on the chicken farm? Who will do this work? What are their qualifications? Will they work fulltime or parttime? 

A business plan helps identify the staff you will need on your farm and their skill sets. It will also help you identify the cost associated with these employees.

HOW TO START AND BECOME A SUCCESSFUL POULTRY FARMER

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24 Comments

I must say this information is very informed. I’ve really gained a lot here.

Am encouraged to start and… Am encouraged to start and run my firm

A very useful information,… A very useful information, and am motivated to venture into this business

Good website for peasant… Good website for peasant agro- farmers to gain and skills. Thanks

very informative very informative

Very good and timely info on… Very good and timely info on kienyeji chicken farmimg

This is a very good article… This is a very good article. have been looking for information like this in vain

Hi i need to know how much… Hi i need to know how much and where i can get 3 weeks old chicks of KARLO kienyenji

Joyce kasarani Nairobi

This is a good article and… This is a good article and thanks alot cos i have learned so much on Kienyeji chicken farming. How can i please downloading the business plan ?

Job well done,pongezi for… Job well done,pongezi for the good work you’re doing in educating us better farming methods, I have already started with few kienyeji chicken and I want to grow,thanks and continue.

Thank you the article is… Thank you the article is very informative, I look upon to start kienyeji farming very soon after gaining alot from this article

Thanks for the information Thanks for the information

Very good job,thanks. Your… Very good job,thanks. Your article has most of the information a farmer needs to do the care.

kindly share with us… kindly share with us different feed formulation for different stages of both kiemyeji and other chicken. You can still do for mixing of 70kg

On the previous page, you… On the previous page, you gave us a simple guide on making 70kg of Chick mash,Grower mash, layer mash, broiler starter,broiler finishes and kienyeji mash. The Chick mash ,Grower mash and Layers mash indicated above are they for kienyeji chicken or for other chickens (kuku wa grade)? Do we have kienyeji formulation for different kienyeji stages?

Please read the section on …

Please read the section on “ Feeding Kienyeji Chicken ” above. 

Thanks for the information,… Thanks for the information, however i have looked for the feeding schedule for kuriolers on intensive system but i could not find. kindly share with as well.

Hi I need 200 3 weeks old… Hi I need 200 3-week old KARLO chicks. I will appreciate it if you could also confirm all feeds required to maturity including medication. Do you sell feeds too? Can you deliver these to Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County? Kindly confirm and share your affordable costs Regards kubai

Interested with kienyeji… Interested with kienyeji farming

Good idea for we small… Good idea for we small farmers if one follow the steps given at last will get profit Can we start keeping them as groups then be assisted?

Very informative. Hope i… Very informative. Hope i change my kienyeji way of rearing kienyeji chicken.

Good job comrades,I have… Good job comrades,I have just started my kienyeji chicken farm,I expect to get more from you.Thank you

Hello, my question is how I… Hello, my question is how I can get sasso breed in Kenya, siaya county, ugunja sub county

Check the list if SASSO…

Check the list of SASSO Chicken suppliers here  https://value.co.ke/article/sasso-chicken-breeds-details-and-management-information

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[Pdf Sample] Poultry Farming Business Plan In Kenya Docx

Starting a poultry farming business in Kenya can be a lucrative venture, given the country’s growing demand for poultry products. This article aims to provide you with a comprehensive business plan for poultry farming in Kenya.

[Pdf Sample] Business Plan Proposal For Poultry Farming In Kenya Docx

To write a business plan, here is a breakdown of how it should be structured and what should be in each category. After this instruction, I will provide you with a sample of one I wrote for my farm, let us go:

Executive Summary

Market research and analysis.

Conducting thorough market research is crucial before starting a poultry farming business . This section delves into analyzing the demand and supply dynamics of the poultry market in Kenya. It includes factors such as consumer trends, competition, pricing strategies, and potential risks. By understanding the market landscape, you can make informed decisions regarding product positioning and target markets.

Farm Setup and Infrastructure

Breeds and selection.

Choosing the right poultry breeds is crucial to maximize productivity and profitability. This section provides an overview of the different chicken breeds suitable for commercial poultry farming in Kenya. Factors such as egg production, meat quality, disease resistance, and adaptability to local conditions are discussed to help you make informed decisions.

Feeding and Nutrition

Disease control and biosecurity.

Maintaining a disease-free environment is essential to prevent outbreaks and ensure the well-being of your poultry flock. This section focuses on disease control measures, vaccination schedules, biosecurity protocols, and hygiene practices. By implementing effective biosecurity measures, you can minimize the risk of diseases and protect your investment.

Poultry Housing and Equipment

Poultry farm management.

Efficient farm management is crucial for the smooth operation of your poultry farm. This section covers topics such as flock management, record-keeping, monitoring growth and production parameters, and ensuring optimal conditions for your poultry. Effective management practices will help you identify and address issues promptly, leading to increased productivity and profitability.

Marketing and Sales Strategies

Financial planning and projections.

Creating a comprehensive financial plan is essential to assess the feasibility and profitability of your poultry farming business . This section covers aspects such as startup costs, operational expenses, revenue projections, and return on investment. By conducting thorough financial analysis, you can make informed decisions and secure funding if required.

Risks and Challenges

Here is a Download Links to The Poultry Farming Business Plan in Kenya

How much capital do I need to start a poultry farming business in Kenya?

What is the typical lifespan of a chicken in commercial poultry farming, are there any government regulations or permits required for poultry farming in kenya.

Yes, there are specific regulations and permits that need to be obtained before starting a poultry farming business . It is essential to consult with local agricultural authorities or experts to ensure compliance with the necessary legal requirements.

How can I market and sell my poultry products effectively?

What are the common diseases that affect poultry in kenya, and how can i prevent them.

In conclusion, starting a poultry farming business in Kenya offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and farmers. By following this comprehensive business plan , you can lay a strong foundation for a successful and profitable venture. Remember to adapt and innovate based on market trends and evolving consumer demands to stay competitive in the poultry industry.

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Poultry Farming in Kenya: Breeds, How to Start, and PDF

Table of contents, types of chicken in kenya, reasons for keeping small-scale poultry farming easy in kenya , unique features of large-scale poultry farming in kenya , scale of poultry farming in kenya , organic poultry farming, inorganic poultry farming, poultry farming practiced in areas in kenya, different types of chicken breeds in kenya , improved breeds of chicken in kenya , types of broilers in kenya , types of layers of chicken in kenya , duck types in kenya , turkey farming in kenya , how to succeed in poultry farming in a few steps , housing management, factors affected in cost of poultry house , feed requirement, poultry farming methods in kenya, problems of poultry farming , cost of starting a poultry farm in kenya, download poultry farming in kenya pdf.

Chicken is a vital poultry type kept in Kenya. Other types of poultry are ducks, turkeys, geese, guinea fowl, and quail. Chicken is kept for egg and meat production. Chicken kept for egg production is called layers, while chicken kept for meat production is known as a broiler. In Kenya, poultry farming is key to economic growth and food security. The poultry farming business is a widespread profession in Kenya. However, it is mainly used on a small scale and mainly for domestic use. Let’s check out more information about Poultry farming in Kenya.

Layer, broiler, and dual-purpose are three types of chicken in Kenya. Also, it is essential to understand that the challenges facing farmers are different from one kind of chicken. An estimated poultry population in Kenya has 32 million birds, with the most significant proportion of indigenous chickens being 75%, layers and broilers being 24% and other types of poultry being 2%.

Thus, the industry is an essential source of food, income, employment and has many social and cultural uses besides having links with other sectors of the economy. Kenyan farmers are involved in either small-scale or large-scale poultry farming. Whether a farmer goes on a small scale or a large scale depends on the level of investment he can make and the knowledge of poultry farming. More than 67% of Kenya’s population lives in rural areas, not to mention that agriculture is the primary source of livelihood there.

Therefore, it makes the land rare, especially with the growing population of Kenya. Poultry farming plays a significant role in Kenya’s economy and food demand. The most considerable advantage of commercial poultry farming in Kenya is that it reduces the incidence of diseases in poultry. As a result, we do not have to import poultry products abroad. In addition to reaping the benefits of commercial poultry farming in Kenya, we must ensure that the required demand for food is available. You need to consider the following points for poultry farming;

• Land acquisition 
• Baby chickens 
• Unit construction
• Vaccination 
• Purchase of poultry equipment

In case you miss this: Equipment Needed for Poultry Farming: Tools, and PDF

• It easily adapts to the daily lives of many small farmers, without much investment or involvement. 
• It’s affordable to start a business and maintain. 
• Small-scale poultry management does not require complex accounting, stock-keeping, and procurement. 
• Make it suitable for facilitating commercial tendering of commercial eggs and meat products. 
• The investment for large-scale poultry farming should be huge. 
• An organized management system is needed to monitor production, procurement, accounting, sales, and marketing. 
• Small scale poultry farm – It is one where about 1 to 1000 birds are raised
• Medium-scale poultry farm – About 1001 to 10,000 birds are reared
• Large-scale poultry farming – More than 10,000 birds are raised

Most poultry farmers in Kenya farm on a small scale. 

Key types of Poultry farming in Kenya 

This poultry farming is rearing poultry birds without necessarily keeping the birds in a cage for the good part of the day. Features of organic poultry farming in Kenya include;

• Shelter for birds at night. 
• Birds move freely during the day in search of food and water. 
• Benefits nature by simplifying the food chain process as poultry feeds insects and other pests. 
• Affordable to start and maintain. 

In case you miss this: Common Mistakes Everyone Makes in Poultry Farming

It is a form of farming that cages the birds. Features of inorganic poultry farming in Kenya include;

• Birds are adapted to the conditions and environment for rapid growth.
• It is mainly suitable for commercial poultry ventures in Kenya. 
• The structure used for this project should take care of the technical regulations. 
• A well-organized management system is needed.

Organic and inorganic poultry farming can be used for commercial purposes. Targets that encourage farmers to choose poultry farming include consumer preferences for poultry. As organic or inorganic poultry farming plays a role in fulfilling the economic purpose of the farmer.

This is carried out near urban centers where a large ready market of poultry products is available. In rural areas, many families raise chickens using a culturally free-range system where chickens are allowed to walk freely in search of food. Other types of poultry that are mainly kept and sold in tourist hotels include turkeys, geese, ducks, guinea fowl, and quail. 

Frizzled Feathers, Naked-Neck, Dwarf, and the Normal-type are commonly found in warm regions. Naked-Neck genes are found in almost every village and are thought to be a natural adaptation to heat stress. Frizzled feathers may look sick at first glance, but they are also common in most village-based systems. Frizzled feathers usually cost more than feathered poultry in some parts of the country. 

These are the best breeds of kienyeji chicken available in Kenya and abroad. Commercial farmers prefer them because of their increased productivity compared to local and older dual-purpose chickens. It is cheaper to carry than hybrid layers and broilers as they can fight many diseases. Consumers prefer their nutritious and organic meats and brown eggs. Breeds in this category are;

• KARI Improved Kienyeji
• Rainbow Rooster

The hybrid broilers are raised for meat only. They grow very large and mature for slaughter in 35-49 days. Adult broilers weigh about 1.75 kg. They can be either males or females. The best types of broilers in Kenya are; 

• Kenchic broilers

The best chicken breeds for eggs in Kenya are the best lay eggs between the 18-80 weeks of your life. You will earn more money by selling 2 kg ex-layered hens for slaughter. They have a good conversion ratio of 6 eggs per kg of used layer mesh. The best types of layers in Kenya are; 

• Kenchic Layers
• shaver star cross
• Ross breeds

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Ducks are also bred for egg production or both, and there are more than 105 species of ducks worldwide. In Kenya alone, you will find 105 species of ducks. The critical point to keep in mind is that male ducks are called drakes while female ducks are called hens. 

• Ruddy Shelduck
• Spur-winged Goose
• Knob-Billed Duck
• White-backed duck
• Egyptian Duck
• White-faced duck
• Fulvous Whistling-Duck

It is usually done on a small scale, and very few farmers raise turkeys for profit. However, unlike chicken, turkeys bring in more cash. Varieties of turkey grown in Kenya are;

• Beltsville Small white
• Black Turkey
• Bourbon Red
• Broad-breasted whites

Farmers need to focus on specific areas. The key to success in poultry farming can be found in the following easy steps for beginners to follow poultry farming. 

• Initially, make a business plan on how to run a business to avoid financial ruin. 
• Identify the best place and know the poultry product’s demand in the market. 
• Consider an honest breeder to avoid buying the wrong breed. 
• Buy standard poultry feed from a reputable supplier. 
• Maintain proper hygiene. Get vaccinated on time to maintain the health of poultry. 
• Remove toxic chemicals from or around the poultry home.
• Apply effective marketing strategies 
• Adequate housing free from flood, pests, predators, and extreme cold or heat. 
• Avoid crowds of birds.

Climate conditions in Kenya vary from place to place. For example, in Rift Valley, temperature levels are between 16°C (around Lake Nakuro Basin) and 29°C in the north. In Nyanza, the temperature is hot, from 15 to 26°C. In northeastern Kenya, temperatures range between 20°C and 40°C. So, poultry farmers in northeastern Kenya will need better ventilation systems in their poultry houses compared to farmers in Nyanza.

In case you miss this: Top 50 Poultry Farming Tips, Ideas, and Techniques

The principle of thumb when designing a poultry house is to dissipate heat and promote cooling by increasing the velocity of airflow, especially in hot regions of Kenya, such as the Northeast Province. Due to the hot temperatures in Kenya, the roof of a poultry house should be part of your ventilation system. A good roof is made of common building materials available in Kenya, especially iron sheets. When broilers are still chickens, they should be kept in a brooder, usually a warm shelter for chickens. Broilers require a temperature of 15 to 23°C to thrive. 

The cost of poultry houses in Kenya will depend on many factors. For example, if you don’t have enough ground level to raise many chickens, you will need a storied shelter. So, the price will be higher. But, at the same time, it depends on the type of chicken you are raising. 

Broilers usually lay their feathers in 5 weeks; it is essential to feed the baby chickens feeds that contain enough protein to facilitate the process of feathers. Make sure the feeders (containers containing chicken feed) are always full when the baby chickens begin to learn to feed.

Once the baby chickens have learned to feed correctly, reduce the feed amount on the feeder to reduce waste. But the same feed containers never be dry. Therefore, for the first weeks of broiler rearing, the protein content in the starter feed should be at least 23%. Broiler feeds five weeks and above, known as farmer’s diet, should contain at least 19% protein. 

• Free-range system – This is the traditional way of raising chickens. In this system, the farmer allows the chickens to roam freely on the farm for food and water. Poultry is kept for farmers’ meat and eggs. 
• Deep waste system – This is a modern way of raising chickens and they are kept indoors all the time. The system structures are large and allow for free movement of the chickens. Food and water are also provided in this structure. 
• Battery system – This is a modern way of raising chickens. Each chicken is kept in its cage, food and water are kept in front of each cage. 
• Use of folds – The chicken is kept in a structure called a fold. Feeding and water troughs are located outside each layer. Birds feed on wire mesh. 

Outbreaks of diseases like chicken flu kill a large number of poultry birds. Then, this causes a lot of loss to the farmers. Moreover, the means of transportation are not well developed in poultry farming areas. Then, this makes it difficult for farmers to get reasonable prices for their produce. Moreover, poultry feed and medicines are expensive, and many farmers cannot afford them. 

In case you miss this: How to Start Poultry Farming in Karnataka

You need to know how much it will cost you to start a poultry business before starting it. The initial cost can vary from place to place and even to different types of birds. The first important thing to consider is how big the poultry farm will be. Do you want to start a small or medium-scale poultry farm? The scale of your poultry farm will give you an idea of ​​how much it will cost you to create it. Below are the things to keep in mind when starting a poultry business;

• Land Acquisition 
• Cost of Poultry Equipment 
• Construction Cost 
• Labor Cost 

Keeping in mind all the above considerations, you need approximately Ksh 3000 to Ksh 25000 will be required to start small to medium poultry farms. For large poultry farms, you need more than 25,000 Ksh to get started.

Click on the Download button below to download the Poultry farming in Kenya PDF. You need to have a PDF reader installed on your smartphone to view the downloaded PDF file. If you cannot view the file, download any PDF reader app from Google Play Store or App Store.

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Wow, I really appreciate it very much. People like you also exist in the world. Who share everything. And there are some people who do not share anything with anyone. Thank you very much.

Very informative. I have learnt a lot. Going for the project. Be blessed.

Thanks alot for sharing

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The information above is very helpful. Thank you so much. I want to know how to improve I have already started.

Thanks for sharing such a vital information please!

The information availed has been very helpful for my startup.Thank you very much. This is how the young and coming learn and our agricultural sector and economy grows

This is a good one. Well written and easy to grasp. Thumbs up.

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How to Start a Thriving Kienyeji Chicken Farm

Kienyeji chicken, prized for their adaptability, taste, and resilience, offer a valuable opportunity for rural communities to generate income and improve food security. But transitioning from free-range practices to a profitable, semi-intensive system requires knowledge and strategic planning. This guide equips aspiring farmers with the tools and insights to establish a thriving indigenous chicken farm, step-by-step.

Why Choose Kienyeji Chickens?

• Superior Meat and Eggs:  Renowned for their flavorful meat and rich-yolked eggs, indigenous breeds command premium prices compared to commercial chickens.
• Low Investment:  Compared to their commercial counterparts, kienyeji chickens require less initial investment in housing and feed, making them accessible to small-scale farmers.
• Hardy and Disease-Resistant:  Adapted to local conditions, kienyeji chickens flourish on modest feed and are naturally resistant to many common poultry diseases.
• Sustainable and Eco-Friendly:  Their foraging nature reduces reliance on purchased feed, minimizes environmental impact, and enriches soil with their droppings.

Farming Systems:

• Free Range:  While requiring minimal input, free-range systems offer limited control over production and are vulnerable to predators and disease.
• Semi-intensive (Improved):  This guide focuses on this system, balancing free-range access with controlled housing, feeding, and disease prevention for optimal productivity and profit.
• Intensive:  High-density housing and commercial feed increase output but require significant capital investment and may raise ethical concerns.

Sourcing Chicks:

• Hatching your own:  Requires a rooster and brooder setup but offers superior control over genetics and potential profit from selling chicks.
• Buying Day-old Chicks:  Hatcheries like KENCHIC and KALRO Naivasha offer vaccinated chicks of improved indigenous breeds, reducing management complexities.

Housing and Facilities:

• Building a Brooder:  A safe, warm shelter is crucial for raising chicks. A round, wood-shavings filled brooder with a heat source like a jiko ensures their comfort and growth.
• Constructing the Chicken House:  Consider factors like ventilation, predator proofing, and space (2 sq ft per bird) when designing your poultry house. Locally available materials like timber and mud walls can be cost-effective.

Feeding and Nutrition:

• Chick Feed:  High-protein starters like Fugo Kienyeji Chick Mash are essential for the first 8 weeks, followed by balanced grower mash like Fugo Kienyeji Growers Mash (8th-18th week).
• Layer Feed:  Fugo Kienyeji Layers Mash, supplemented with DCP salts like Potafos DCP, boosts calcium and phosphorus for optimal egg production.
• Vitamins and Minerals:  Include green plants, AMILYTE vitamins, and additional vitamin mixes during periods of stress or disease outbreaks.
• Fresh Water:  Clean and readily available water is crucial for chicken health and productivity. Maintain clean feeders and drinkers to prevent contamination.

Chicken Health and Disease Prevention:

• Vaccination:  Protect your flock against common diseases like Newcastle, Gumboro, and Fowl Typhoid with vaccinations according to the recommended schedule.
• Hygiene and Sanitation:  Regularly clean and disinfect the housing, feeders, and drinkers to minimize disease risk.
• Isolation and Disposal:  Quarantine sick birds and promptly dispose of carcasses by burying them deep underground.

Record Keeping and Profitability:

• Maintain meticulous records of chick purchases, feed costs, sales, deaths, and egg production.
• Track egg production per hen to identify and replace low-performing birds.
• Regularly assess profitability and adjust practices to optimize income and cost-efficiency.

Additional Tips for Success:

• Plan egg production timing to coincide with high-demand seasons like holidays.
• Consider selling chicks and hatching eggs for additional income.
• Build relationships with local markets and restaurants to secure consistent buyers.
• Participate in farmer communities and training programs for ongoing learning and support.

By implementing these practical strategies and adapting them to your local context, you can transform your kienyeji chicken farm into a sustainable and profitable venture, fostering food security and economic empowerment for your family and community.

Remember, building a successful kienyeji chicken farm requires dedication, patience, and ongoing learning. But by combining traditional knowledge with innovative practices and responsible management, you can reap the rewards of this rewarding and resilient agricultural endeavor.

Empowering Ambitions, Cultivating Success: Graduate Farmer is dedicated to inspiring and equipping young men and women with practical solutions to kickstart and thrive in profitable agribusiness ventures across Kenya.

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A worthy read Grad Farmer, thank you for sharing.

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Kienyeji Chicken Farming

WRITING POULTRY BUSINESS PLANS

September 27, 2016, 4:57 am 706 Views

Planning for your business from the outset is a key ingredient of success and the same applies to the chicken farming business. A farmer investing his or her hard earned money in the farming business needs to draw a business plan to make them aware of their business and have a basis of tracking business performance and thus afford them the opportunity of responding adequately in the course of running it.

You do not need to act out of your guts all the time without having a definite plan of action on inputs, costs, competition, marketing and risks involved in your business that might hinder your key objective, quality products for your buyers and maximum profits for your chicken farming business.

That is where we come in.

We help you set up a new high-end chicken enterprise with expected reputation for integrity, quality, and excellence in the management board and staff and based on financial projections help you know before beforehand the prospects for your enterprise’s continued growth are excellent based on how much you are contributing to your enterprise and the expected revenues from your level of investment.

Kienyeji Partners can help you undertake an in-depth analysis of market opportunities for high-quality, chicken market in your locality to ensure you are investing in a viable option with the right strategies and ensure you pursue this strategy vigorously with demonstrated performance.

An aspiring poultry entrepreneur must also understand the untapped opportunities in the poultry value chain and through market analysis especially as regards to chicken and chicken products. The health benefits of white meat over red meat and the huge demand for eggs in various sectors of the food industry need to be understood and addressed. Helping identify and plan for your market is a key component of the work we do with you to help you gain from your investment. Retailers for example have a significant unmet demand for chicken but cannot find consistent supply to meet this demand. We work with you in your unique circumstances and your locality to identify where to start in your market blitz.

Most of the farmers apply no specific techniques to boost production. Constraints to rearing chicken are mostly disease, predators, poor housing, poor management and lack of affordable feed and poor marketing systems.

Ownership and breadth of service can give an entrepreneur an edge over the competition for services.

Business Development Service providers offer a range of extension services, and include organizations such as Government of Kenya extension officers and veterinarians, egg and chick suppliers and local independent animal health technicians. A farmer or entrepreneur must therefore be aware of his competition and also work with others to better his or her business.

A farmer needs to understand the sales outlets for her products e.g. supermarkets and identified select contractual buyers who will offer better prices due to unique quality of the products and consistent supply and maintain constant awareness of the competition’s products and services, in order to remain an appealing source of services.

The key thing is the farmers themselves owning their business, and having a vested interest in building the business’s future success.

A key ingredient of a farmer’s decision making is developing an market-driven pricing policy that incorporates clear recognition of market related forces including production seasonality, price fluctuations and profit generation.  It is important to continuously assess market dynamics that will inform sound business decision-making.

For marketing efficiency and cost effectiveness, it is important to sell to identified contracted buyers, using your best efforts to attract the most competitive buyer that offers best price and creates the most value for shareholders and members. You have to build an image of reliability and quality among your target market.

The rest is identified the initial financing you need and your own shrewd management that will take your enterprise to the next level. The Key to doing this is helping you prepare a financial model for your business that enables you track business performance over months and years of operation.

If you are interested in having a business plan prepared for your chicken business, you can contact us on: [email protected]

SELLING HIS PASSION, BUILDING OTHER FARMERS, ONE CHICKEN AT A TIME

Ordering the kuroiler breed of improved kienyeji chicken..

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How to Start Kienyeji Chicken Farming

Birds kept and raised for meat production, egg-laying, and feather production are referred to as poultry. Since poultry farming is relatively easy to start and grow, it has become more popular in recent years.

There are different aspects of poultry, and Kienyeji chicken farming is one of them. But several farmers in Kenya fail to see the potentials in Kienyeji chickens.

Armed with the necessary information, starting a Kienyeji chicken farm is a reliable and cheap way to give your egg and chick production a boost. After going through this post, you’ll have learned the basics of what’s required to start a successful Kienyeji poultry farm.

What’s a Kienyeji Poultry Farm?

Kienyeji chicken farming involves keeping indigenous chicken breeds in Kenya that will form your starting stock.

You can choose from the already egg-laying chicken as well as cock. Also, several breeds of indigenous poultry are available from which you can select.

Consider purchasing your stock from a dependable source that follows vaccination protocols, carries out deworming at the right time, and ensures parasite control.

The number of chickens required to get started with varies depending on your financial capability.

Kienyeji chickens are primarily reared in the village under the free-range method, which is why they’re also called village chicken or road runners in other places. 

Farming Kienyeji is getting popular in Kenya nowadays since the chicken is regarded as organic — and, consequently, the preferred healthier option. 

Steps to Start Kienyeji Chicken Farming

1. draft a business plan .

If you want to start any business — farming inclusive — formulating a business plan is one of the essential steps to take from the get-go.

This shows the specific goals you aim to achieve and how you intend to do so.

Also, it serves as a plan of how you intend running your business from a producer’s viewpoint and the lawyer’s, banker’s, accountant’s, and hired hand’s perspectives. 

2. Secure land, capital, and necessary equipment 

Without having necessities like land, capital, and poultry equipment, you can’t start or maintain a chicken farm.

You’ll require buildings for raising the chickens in, which could be barns or hutches based on how you choose to raise your chickens (whether conventional or free-range).

Also, you’ll need land to erect the farm buildings on and to grow crops on that will be used for feeding your chickens.

Further, equipment and machinery are required for activities like cleaning barns, disposing of deadstock, working crops, and others.

3. Decide on how to best raise your Kienyeji chickens

You can raise them in two main ways: conventional and free-range.

In the former, chickens are confined to barns, which are temperature and photo-period regulated areas.

In free-range systems, chickens are allowed to run around just about any part of the farm. This allows them to behave as naturally as possible.

4. Choose the specific sectors of the poultry industry to pursue 

You can choose from two types: meat and eggs.

Eggs that aren’t to be sold on the market for human consumption (obtained from both broilers and layers) are incubated.

After that, the chicks are hatched and raised until they reach the proper age to be made available for sale to farms, where they’ll be raised.

The business of incubating eggs and raising chicks is usually distinct from that of raising the chickens themselves. Also, another aspect of this industry is slaughtering chickens for meat.

This is a separate sector entirely that you could go into.

A lot of chicken farmers, especially those that aren’t conventional, operate in more than one sector of this industry. It all boils down to your ambitions, whether you choose to operate in all sectors or restrict yourself to one or two.

5. Search for a niche market (if you can)

Is the location of your farm with many of such businesses, where chickens are raised in a certain way (more conventional systems than the free-range type)?

If so, then consider venturing into a niche market that focuses on the consumer’s interest in free-range chickens, instead of the conventionally-raised type.

6. Create awareness for your business  

Advertise yourself to potential customers and consumers by informing them you’ve eggs or meat available for sale.

Selling your products by word-of-mouth is usually much cheaper and is still the most commonly used method of advertising, rather than opting for paid adverts in your local newspaper, which only could get read by a few people.

But you can as well do that and also set up a website to promote your products.

7. Keep daily records of your business

By doing so, you can always know if you’re making a profit or loss.

8. Raise your Kienyeji chickens following the Kenyan law

Finally, raise your chickens by following the laid-down rules and regulations for poultry businesses in Kenya.

Some Benefits of Kienyeji Chicken Farming

Farmers consider keeping Kienyeji chicken for many reasons. Here are some of them:

1. Easy entry

It’s straightforward to start raising Kienyeji chickens. Also, you don’t need much initial capital, especially if you’re engaging in it as a trial or a hobby.

To get started, simply buy 1 rooster (male chicken) and 2 hens.

When the hens start to lay, you can let them sit on eggs.

If each of the hens hatches 10 chicks and is given a brooding period of 2 months, then it lays for another month, at the end of a year, you should realize a minimum of 60 chickens.

2. Increase in demand for Kienyeji meat and Kienyeji eggs 

As Kenyans consciously pay more attention to their health, the demand for Kienyeji meat and eggs is rising.

They’re considered to be a healthier option.

3. Kienyeji chickens are hardy

Kienyeji chickens are considered hardy since they show better resistance to disease compared with hybrid chicken.

To start Kienyeji chicken farming, outlined above are the steps to follow. If properly managed, this business is profitable and rewarding.

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Is improved kienyeji chicken farming in Kenya profitable?

Is Kienyeji chicken farming profitable? The Kienyeji chicken are also known as the indigenous, traditional, country or organic chicken in English. In this post, we will give you estimated profits and costs of raising 100 kienyeji chicken in Kenya. Besides, we give you projections for rearing 200, 500 and 1000 improved chicken such as Kuroilers Kenya.

Facts about improved kienyeji chicken farming

Why kienyeji chicken farming.

• How to estimate profits and costs in Kienyeji chicken farming

Cost of rearing 100 Kienyeji chicken in Kenya

Costs and profit for 200 improved kari kienyeji chicken in kenya, profit and cost of rearing 500 kienyeji chicken in kenya, how profitable is kenbro farming-1,000 birds, how to succeed in improved kienyeji farming.

The Kienyeji chicken farming sector is a priority value chain in 29 counties in Kenya. It receives major attention by farmers, investors and other players. Here are the key facts to remember about Kienyeji chicken in Kenya.

• Rainbow roosters
• The Kienyeji chicken mature in a short period of 4-5 months.
• The Improved indigenous chicken have higher meat and egg yields. A mature rooster can weigh up to 3 kg live weight, while mature hens weigh 1.9-2.5 kg.
• The price of a mature Improved kienyeji chicken is KES 800 and KES 600 per rooster and hen, respectively.
• The traditional chicken eggs are brown and nutritious and while their meat is deep red with yellow fat.

There are many benefits you can enjoy as a Successful Kienyeji chicken farmer compared to hybrid broilers and layers chicken farmers. They include You can earn more revenue and profits by marketing kienyeji chicken meat and eggs at a higher retail prices compared to other exotic products.

• The cost of farming indigenous chicken is lower since they are resistant to common disease chicken disease outbreaks in Kenya.
• There is a rising demand for high quality white meat and organic eggs  since Consumers believe the traditional breeds have higher nutrition and better taste than hybrid broilers and layers.

How to estimate profits and costs in Kienyeji chicken farming 

How much money exactly will you make  (profits) and spend (cost) by rearing the kienyeji chicken for profits in Kenya? To estimate, we will make the following assumptions to gauge the amounts and prices for chicken feed, vaccines and other inputs.

• The farmer’s chicken stock comprise of 50% roosters and 50% hens
• There is an estimated 10% loss of cockerels, hens and eggs during the production season.
• Ksh 800 for a mature Kienyeji rooster and Ksh 600 for mature  ex layer hens.
• Ksh 450 for a tray of Kienyeji eggs (Ksh 15/egg)
• Ksh 30 for every bag of chicken manure.
• Ksh 20 for used chicken feed bags
• Labor requirements is 1person at 4,000 monthly for 21 months.
• Fowl Typhoid
• Fowl Pox diseases.
• The cost of buying a one-day-old kienyeji chick is Ksh 100      
• 60g/chick of chick mash chicks each day from week 1-8. 
• 90g/chicken of growers mash per day from week 9-19
• 120g/hen per day from week 20-84 

The following is the expected profits and cost of raising 100 traditional chicken in Kenya. The estimates use the current market prices and the standard feed requirements. 

You will make a revenue of Ksh. 258,890 by rearing 100 improved kienyeji chicken in Kenya. These sales are for your mature roosters, ex layer hens, eggs and chicken manure as shown in the figure above.  Our estimate assumed a 10%  loss of the birds and eggs.  You can reduce these losses to make more profits by;

• observing proper feeding of your birds.
• Good hygiene and biosecurity measures in your farm like and vaccination and disinfecting your poultry houses.
• Market all the by-products like empty chicken bags and chicken manure. 
• Consider value addition to earn make more sales revenue in the long run.

On the other hand, the cost of  rearing 100 Kienyeji chicken in Kenya is Ksh 165,790. This analysis ignores the capital expenditure and focusses on cost of chicken production. As shown above, 92 per cent of the cost is  used to for buy chicken feed.

The profits of rearing 100 Kienyeji chicken in Kenya is Ksh 92,600.  These amounts on the lower side are after a further deducting of Ksh 84,000 additional cost of labour, you will get a net profit of Ksh 8,600.

If you are a beginner in poultry keeping, then you will incur an initial capital investment of Ksh 72,030. These are needed for a new kuku kienyeji chicken house, brooding equipment, and other reusable items like feeders. Luckily, you can lower the CAPEX expenditure by leasing chicken houses. 

The following is a cost-benefit/ Gross margin analysis (CBA) for rearing 200 Improved KARI Kienyeji chicken for meat and eggs in Kenya. It uses the current market prices and the above-given assumptions.

The revenue of selling mature live birds (mature cockerels and hens), poultry manure and eggs is Ksh 516,780.  The bulk of it is after selling eggs as the primary product. You can increase your profits by incubating the eggs and selling vaccinated one-day-old chicks. You would increase the price of one egg from Ksh 15 to Ksh 100.

The larger portion of the operating is buying chicken feed at Ksh 306,800. The total operating cost of the project is Ksh 330,480 to get a gross profit of Ksh 186,300.  After considering the cost of monthly labour of Ksh 4000 for  21 months, you will pocket Ksh. 102,300 net profit.

As a beginner, you will incur a one-time capital expenditure of Ksh 144,060 to make a kienyeji chicken house

The following is a projection of revenues and costs of rearing 500 Improved KARI Kienyeji chicken like Kuroilers in Kenya. The analysis uses the current market prices and the above assumptions for feed quantities and vaccines.

The gross sales revenue for 500 indigenous chicken farm is Ksh1, 294,200.  The most significant sales are from selling eggs.

The operating costs for raising 500 chicken is Ksh 810,850. It will give you a gross profit of Ksh 483,350 and a net profit of Ksh 399,350 after deducting labour costs of Ksh 84,000.

As a startup venture, you need a capital expenditure of Ksh 277,550 for a fully functional 500 chicken house.  The overall costs and profits for keeping 500 indigenous chickens are as shown above.

The following is a gross margin analysis for rearing 1,000 improved KARI kienyeji chickens like the improved KALRO kienyeji chicken or Kenbro.  It uses the current market cost, prices, and the above assumptions required for farm inputs and labour.

You will get a total revenue of Ksh 2, 223,750 after marketing your live birds, eggs and poultry manure.

The operating cost for your 1000 chicken farm is Ksh 1,620,600 excluding the one-time capital expenditure of Ksh 455,100 for beginners. The most significant expense is buying commercial chicken feed at a value of Ksh 1,501,500.

The projects’ gross revenue is Ksh 603,150. The only additional cost is labour at Ksh 168,000 getting you a net profit of Ksh 435,150. The overall benefits for keeping 1000 layers are as shown above.

 The gross and net profits of raising indigenous chicken assume the worst-case scenario. The conventional and best-cases will give you a higher income.  

Looking for the best tips to make more money in improved indigenous chicken farming? watch the YouTube Video below on the best tips to maximise profits. Thet include tips such as;

• Formulating your own chicken feed at home using cheaply available sources like maize, wheat, and sunflower seeds etc.
• Raising the improved breeds like the Improved KARI Kienyeji, kenbro or Kuroilers. They grow faster, give you more yields andyou can sell them att higher prices.

The Video below has more.

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24 Comments

I was very happy to read this report. However, its summarized information, it has reference to all necessary capital costs, operational cost, feed costs and labor costs to help one figure out gross margin and net profits, for different number of birds, say 100, 200, 500 and 1,000.

The report provides a good guideline for beginners in Indigenous poultry production.

Thank you sir

Great, helpful analyses.Thank you very much, Agcenture .

Thanks for the information.i am planning to start my own God willing next year.200chick improved kienyeji and I have only 200k I need help.i don’t know if it will work.

I like the summary content,it gives a clear projection on everything you need to know about indigenous poultry production. Thank you

Very good information.

I want to buy like 50 chicken,kuroiler layers,how do I get them in Kakamega

Quite informative, thanks.

Thanks for this information.. would like to venture in this farming. Let me know where to get the suppliers of KARI kienyeji chicks. Would like to get the vaccine schedule. Thanks

Find the vaccination schedule here. https://bit.ly/3rNeIAT

Best hatcheries you can source chicks here. https://bit.ly/43E9FAb

we also reccomend further research

I intend to start a chicken farm but I don’t know where to start.I now have picture .Thanks for your tips.Giv more plse.

Youre welcome Ainsworth, we wish you success in your farm.

Keep checking for more posts and YouTube Videos at https://www.youtube.com/@agcenture

The information /the guidelines provided is legit and I have this plan to start this business for rearing poultry ,,infact now I know how much I should have to start this investment. Thanks for your clear clarification.

Thank you Sir

Thank you for the insight. This estimates are based on what duration of keeping the chicken?

Our assumptions are for 21 months or 84 weeks

Very educative and encouraging.Keeping improved kienyeji chicken is cheaper than exotic breeds.Thanks

Sure. The kienyeji chicken are easier and cheaper to manage in terms of feed and disease management.

The post is very educative and well elaborated.

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