Mary Nyadimo, a farmer from Mumias is reaping big from poultry farming, a side hustle that has now become her primary source of income.
Her farm in Mumias hosts 2000 chickens including 1000 improved Kienyeji that are primarily reared for meat and 1000 layers.
Speaking to Tuko, the 30-year-old revealed she started poultry farming in 2023 to supplement income from her traditional food restaurant in Nairobi’s central business district.
To get started, the entrepreneur revealed she injected Sh200,000 into the project. The amount was partly used in the construction of housing structures, buying feeds, and purchasing 300 ‘improved Kienyeji’ chicks.
Inspired by the impressive performance of the 300 chicks, the farmer added 700 more chicks and later 800 more to expand her venture.
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She, however, faced challenges, among them costly feeds, which she says can be discouraging to anyone starting out in poultry farming.
“I used two bags every week. They cost Sh7000 per week. So, at first, it is very hard, but when they mature and you start selling, you start enjoying. I started selling mine after three months, and the returns were good,” she explained.
Nyadimo reveals she sells one chicken at around Sh900 for those buying in bulk and Sh1000 for those buying in small numbers. She noted that the venture has so far made her over Sh1.2 million in profits in less than two years.
Her primary customers are hotels, individuals, parties, and event organizers in Kakamega and the surrounding areas.
On the secret to succeeding in poultry farming, Nyadimo advised that attention and close supervision of the chickens are crucial, noting that she lost almost two hundred chicks due to poor supervision.
“Chickens need you to be there in person, especially when you are starting because even if you hire someone, they will not take care of them like you because they probably don’t know your goals or the money you have invested. So now I split my time between Mumias and Nairobi,” she remarked.