Embracing Kienyeji Chicken: The Smart Investment for High Returns in Kenya

For years, poultry farming in Kenya has been dominated by exotic breeds such as Leghorns, prized for their high egg production. However, a major shift is taking place as farmers across the country turn to Kienyeji (indigenous) chicken—a hardy, disease-resistant, and profitable alternative that’s transforming the poultry industry.

The Rise of the Kari Kienyeji Chicken

Developed by scientists at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), the Kari Improved Kienyeji Chicken is a crossbreed that combines the resilience of local chickens with the productivity of exotic varieties.
This innovative breed has taken the market by storm, offering small- and large-scale farmers an affordable, low-maintenance, and high-return option.

Why Farmers Are Switching to Kienyeji

Unlike exotic breeds that rely entirely on commercial feeds and constant care, Kienyeji chickens can thrive under free-range or semi-intensive systems. They feed on insects, grains, and vegetable scraps, reducing the cost of feed—a major expense in poultry farming.

“I switched to Kienyeji chicken after struggling with exotic breeds for two years,” says George Kungu, a farmer from Kitengela. “I now have 250 birds, and 200 of them are laying eggs that fetch between Sh15 and Sh20 each—compared to the Sh10 or Sh12 I used to get from exotic breeds.”

Profits That Speak for Themselves

While exotic chickens may lay slightly more eggs (around 300 annually compared to Kienyeji’s 250), the indigenous breed more than compensates through higher egg and meat prices, lower feed costs, and better adaptability to local conditions.

For instance:

• Kienyeji eggs sell for Sh15–Sh20 each, compared to Sh10–Sh12 for exotic ones.

• Mature Kienyeji birds fetch Sh600–Sh800, while exotic broilers average around Sh450.

These price differences, combined with lower management expenses, make Kienyeji farming a profitable and sustainable agribusiness venture.

A Perfect Fit for Kenya’s Climate and Economy

According to Bernard Moina, an agricultural extension officer based in Western Kenya, the Kienyeji breed is a blessing for farmers dealing with rising feed prices.

“They require no special feed, are dual-purpose for both meat and eggs, and produce tastier meat because they exercise freely,” Moina explains. “A 50kg bag of poultry feed now costs about Sh3,000, so any breed that can supplement with natural foraging is a big advantage.”

Additional Income Opportunities

Kienyeji chicken also opens new income streams for farmers who own incubators. A tray of fertilized eggs sells at around Sh1,000, providing another profitable avenue beyond meat and egg sales.

The Future of Poultry Farming in Kenya

With over 32 million chickens in Kenya—six million of which are commercial hybrids—the growing shift toward Kienyeji breeds signals a strong movement toward sustainability, affordability, and higher profit margins for farmers.

As Kenya continues to embrace homegrown agricultural innovation, the Kienyeji chicken stands out as a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and opportunity. Whether you’re a smallholder or an aspiring agripreneur, this breed offers a reliable path to success.