Mairang’a Village: A sloppy farm in Mairang’a village, Gatundu North, Kiambu County, reveals two one-storey timber chicken coops. The clucks and squawks are magnified as the owner, Veronica Muchina, broadcasts maize grain in one coop after another. Muchina keeps a few dairy cattle too. But the mowing of her cattle pales in comparison to the chicken sounds that fill the ambience. During this visit to her farm, she has tens of chicks and about 150 adult chickens. The highest number of chickens she’s ever had was 600 in 2022.
According to Kenya News Agency, Muchina had a humble beginning, inheriting three chickens from her mother-in-law. ‘There’s no time I’ve never had chicken and eggs,’ says Muchina. ‘So far I’ve seen good results.’ The three chickens multiplied to 500. ‘I sold 300 of them and earned Ksh. 200,000 which I used to pay school fees for my children,’ she says. Her market is drawn from the teachers in the nearby schools, factories, hotels, and even her neighbors.
Muchina’s farm is not connected to the national grid. She’s deployed some improvisation. Sheets of nylon gunny bags line the sides of her chicken houses to reduce cold. ‘During the cold season I light a charcoal stove especially when I have chicks,’ she says. She ensures that the ventilation is sufficient to prevent the production of carbon monoxide. One hen produces about 30 chicks, after which she disposes of the hens to the meat market. She collects at least two trays of eggs per day, selling each egg at Ksh. 20. ‘I pay my farmworkers from chicken earnings,’ she says.
‘My chickens have not been affected by diseases,’ Muchina confidently says. ‘I have a son who is a veterinary doctor. I regularly consult him.’ Not many farmers are as fortunate as Muchina. Disease outbreaks have wiped out flocks of chickens on many farms in the country. Resuming chicken rearing after such a catastrophic experience has not been pleasant. Consequently, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is reaching out to farmers with technologies, innovations, and management practices (TIMPs) to cut down on chicken mortality.
A KALRO veterinary doctor, Wilfred Mutisya, based at the Dairy Research Institute (DRI) in Naivasha, says that chickens are affected by many diseases, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Some farmers have procured incubators to hatch their eggs, a precautionary measure to cut down on the entry of pathogens to one’s farm. Dr. Mutisya emphasizes the importance of adhering to vaccination schedules to ensure that the birds attain full immunity.
Parasite control is another critical area for poultry farmers. Dr. Mutisya explains the nuisance caused by external parasites like fleas, mites, and lice, which irritate the birds, leading to stress and reduced productivity. Internal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms also pose significant challenges, necessitating regular deworming.
To control external parasites, farmers can use chemical baths known as acaricides. Biosecurity measures, such as disinfectant footbaths, are recommended to prevent the transmission of harmful pathogens. Quarantine areas for sick chickens are also advised to minimize disease spread within a flock.
Feed formulation is a significant concern for farmers struggling with high feed costs. KALRO has been developing various feed formulations and exploring alternative protein sources such as the Black Soldier Fly and plant-based proteins like Moringa leaf meal. These initiatives aim to reduce feeding costs and improve nutritional outcomes for poultry.
