Poultry farming in Kenya has evolved from a small-scale rural activity into a multi-billion-shilling industry that supports thousands of livelihoods. From humble backyard coops to high-tech hatcheries, Kenya’s poultry industry has become one of the most dynamic and successful agribusiness stories in East Africa.
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Today, the sector boasts not only billionaire investors who have built entire value chains—from feed manufacturing to processing and retail—but also thousands of small-scale farmers who earn steady incomes and build thriving businesses from poultry farming.
Let’s explore some of Kenya’s most inspiring poultry success stories and what makes this industry so promising.
1. Brade Gate Poultry Industries
Founded by Dr. Thuo Mathenge in 2011, Brade Gate Poultry Industries is one of Kenya’s most integrated poultry enterprises. The company operates across the entire poultry value chain—running a breeding farm, a chick hatchery, a modern chicken processing plant, and a feed mill producing high-quality commercial feeds.
Brade Gate also manages a poultry supermarket where farmers can purchase equipment, feeds, and receive expert farming advice. Through its Chicken Republic brand, Brade Gate supplies premium poultry products locally and internationally.
The company even runs a hotel where visitors can enjoy delicious meals made from its own poultry produce—a true farm-to-fork success story generating billions in revenue and employing thousands.
2. Breedtech Poultry Farm
Located in Trans Nzoia County, Breedtech is one of the largest indigenous poultry breeding companies in Western Kenya. Founded by Dr. Mwangale, a poultry expert with years of research experience, the farm focuses on improving Kienyeji chicken breeds through selective breeding.
Breedtech is now a major supplier of fertilized eggs and day-old chicks to farmers in Western and Nyanza regions. Beyond production, the company trains local farmers on modern poultry management techniques—helping boost productivity and sustainability across the region.
3. Kukuchic Limited
Based in Eldoret, Kukuchic is a leader in breeding and distributing the Rainbow Rooster and Fast White Rainbow chicken breeds across East Africa. With over 20,000 parent stock birds and a hatchery capable of producing 240,000 chicks per month, Kukuchic has transformed poultry breeding in the region.
The company is also expanding into Uganda and investing in poultry feed mills to help farmers lower production costs while improving feed quality—a move that’s reshaping the regional poultry value chain.
4. Wendy Farms
When Caleb Karuga left his media career to pursue poultry farming, few expected him to succeed. Today, his Wendy Farms in Kiambu is a multi-million-shilling enterprise focused on Kienyeji chickens and large-scale hatching.
His journey has inspired many Kenyans to view poultry farming not as a side hustle but as a full-fledged business opportunity. Like Karuga, thousands of Kenyans now earn from Ksh. 5,000 startup investments to six-figure monthly incomes through dedication, proper planning, and innovation.
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Why Poultry Farming Thrives in Kenya
Several factors have contributed to the rapid growth of the poultry sector:
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Affordable day-old chicks available from reputable hatcheries.
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A vast network of farmers and veterinary experts offering knowledge and support.
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A large, ready market for chicken meat and eggs nationwide.
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Research and development support from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
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NGO investments in agribusiness, including poultry initiatives supported by TechnoServe and others.
Poultry Farming Systems in Kenya
Kenyan farmers can choose from several systems depending on scale and resources:
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Small-scale confined farming – ideal for households and small entrepreneurs.
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Semi-free range farming – balances confinement with outdoor access for healthier chickens.
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Intensive commercial farming – focuses on high output with optimized feeding, housing, and health management.
Free-range systems, while natural, are less productive commercially. For profitability, farmers must invest in proper housing, feeding, and disease control to boost yields.
Choosing the Right Chicken Breeds
While broilers and layers dominate commercial production, there’s growing demand for organic and indigenous chicken. Consumers increasingly prefer Kienyeji chicken, known for its natural taste and health benefits.
The Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) has developed the Improved Kienyeji Chicken, which grows faster, lays more eggs, and produces high-quality meat. Other popular breeds include:
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Rainbow Rooster
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Kenbro
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Kuroiler
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KARI Improved Kienyeji
These breeds adapt well to Kenya’s varied climates and are affordable (about Ksh. 100 per chick). However, proper brooding and temperature control are critical to minimize chick mortality.
Poultry Housing and Management
A good poultry house must provide proper ventilation, space, and sanitation. Farmers can build affordable structures using locally available materials like timber offcuts, wire mesh, and iron sheets.
Key considerations:
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Maintain optimal bird density to prevent stress.
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Include a chicken run for Kienyeji breeds to graze and exercise.
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Keep houses 40 feet apart if building multiple units to improve airflow.
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Ensure daily cleaning, fresh feed, and a clean water supply.
Feeding and Care
Feeding accounts for the largest cost in poultry production. While commercial feeds are efficient, Kienyeji farmers can reduce costs by supplementing with grains, greens, and fishmeal.
Vaccination schedules must be strictly followed, and any unusual symptoms—such as sudden deaths—should prompt an immediate veterinary check. Good hygiene practices reduce disease risks and improve productivity.
Record Keeping and Marketing
Successful poultry farming requires proper record keeping—tracking feed consumption, vaccination dates, mortality rates, and egg production helps identify trends and improve profitability.
When it comes to marketing, farmers have multiple options:
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Local markets, restaurants, and schools
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Online platforms and social media
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Specialized poultry networks such as the Kienyeji Marketing Network
With Kenya’s growing middle class and demand for organic foods, opportunities in poultry farming continue to expand.
Conclusion: The Future of Poultry Farming in Kenya
From billion-shilling conglomerates to backyard entrepreneurs, poultry farming in Kenya has proven that success in agribusiness is achievable with vision, research, and persistence.
As consumer preferences shift toward healthier, organic options and technology improves breeding and feed efficiency, Kenya’s poultry industry will continue to thrive—creating jobs, boosting food security, and shaping the next generation of agripreneurs.
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