Zetech University trains over 50 poultry farmers in Kiambu County

KENYA – More than 50 small and medium-scale poultry farmers from Kiambu County have completed a four-week intensive training programme organized by Zetech University. 

The initiative aimed to enhance farmers’ capacity in modern poultry farming practices, covering pest and disease management, feed optimization, poultry breeds, marketing strategies, and proper farm design.

The training also focused on the fundamentals of establishing sustainable poultry enterprises, offering practical guidance to address persistent sector challenges such as nutrition, animal health, and market access.

Sector growth hampered by feed costs and import pressures

According to Zetech University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Research and Student Affairs, Prof. Alice Njuguna, poultry farming plays a key role in employment creation and national food security. 

She stated that continuous upskilling is necessary to support this segment of agriculture, especially as it confronts ongoing economic pressures.

Since November 2024, local poultry farmers have faced mounting hurdles, including a surge in cheap imported chicken products that have disrupted the local market. 

The sharp increase in poultry feed costs has compounded the issue, with a 70kg bag of layers’ mash rising from KES 3,800 (US$28.85) in April 2024 to KES 4,500 (US$34.17), placing substantial financial strain on farmers.

Welfare standards lag behind as consumption remains low

Despite its regional contribution to meat and egg supply, Kenya ranks among the lowest in Africa in terms of per capita poultry meat consumption, based on FAOSTAT 2020 figures. 

While the country ranks eighth in egg production—with counties like Kiambu, Kakamega, and Migori leading—welfare practices remain a concern.

To address this, the Kenya Bureau of Standards introduced the KS 2945:2022 animal welfare code. However, its enforcement remains weak, with overcrowding, inadequate housing, poor feeding, and inhumane slaughter practices continuing to impact both poultry health and product quality.

Pilot programme reveals low compliance with welfare regulations

Partner Africa and the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) recently implemented the ‘Mazuri Chicken and Egg Pilot Program’ across five counties—Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, Nakuru, and Kajiado—to evaluate compliance with welfare standards.

Findings showed that only 21% of farmers had adopted the KEBS regulations introduced in 2022. 

While 79% faced challenges in implementation, the programme facilitated training and farm visits to promote better housing, handling, feeding, and slaughtering practices across the poultry value chain.

Practical Impact of Training on Farmers and Marketers

Farmers such as Gabriel Mwangangi from Kiambu County expressed optimism following the training, noting a new understanding of market requirements and breed selection. 

He highlighted that disease outbreaks and inconsistent feeding routines had been major setbacks prior to the intervention.

In Nakuru County, poultry farmer Mary Kihara noted improvements in her layer production after adopting recommended feeding and hygiene practices. Marketer Moses Gathua, also from Nakuru, reported better meat quality and customer satisfaction since adopting improved handling, including the use of freezers and safer transport methods.

Infrastructure and market fragmentation hindering progress

Auditor and standards expert Erick Munene from Partner Africa explained that most poultry farms still lack appropriate structural design, including sun orientation and ventilation. 

He added that transport and post-production handling remain major concerns in maintaining meat quality.

Despite Kenya’s progress in enforcing international standards for tea and horticultural products, poultry standards continue to lag due to weak oversight, especially in informal markets. 

Munene called for stronger stakeholder engagement across the poultry supply chain to improve welfare adherence.

Transitioning to ethical farming practices

Carol Wambui, a farmer in Kamulu with 500 chickens, transitioned to free-range farming after training, noting reduced illness and behavioural problems in her flock. 

She emphasized the correlation between poultry welfare and productivity, stating that better housing resulted in healthier birds and improved yields.

Similarly, Dr. Denis Bahati of ANAW stressed the need for humane handling throughout the value chain, citing common market practices like transporting birds upside down without food or water. 

He emphasized that consumers, especially in urban supermarkets such as Carrefour, are beginning to demand cage-free eggs and ethically raised poultry, pointing to a growing market shift.

Zetech University’s Campus Director, Dr. Beauttah Mwangi, announced that additional training programmes, including one on leadership scheduled for May, will continue to support agricultural development. 

He noted that informed and skilled farmers are essential to Kenya’s goal of agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency.