BY: Emily Mikwa
A significant boost to poultry farming in Kisumu as 5,900 day-old improved Kienyeji/Kenbroo chicks were distributed to smallholder farmers in Kisumu County.
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the State Department for Livestock and the County Government of Kisumu.
The distribution, which saw farmer groups receive 150, 200, or 300 birds based on their capacities, is part of the government’s Bottom up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
The program aims to empower smallholder farmers, vulnerable, and marginalized groups, including women and youth, by providing them with “seed capital” for development.
Presiding over the exercise, Mr. Josphat Smollo from the State Department of Livestock Development, alongside Peter Oruru who represented the PS Jonathan Mueke, outlined the advantages of the improved Kenbroo chicks.
“These birds are high in growth rate, high productivity, and are disease resistant,” Mr. Smollo stated.
He highlighted the stark difference in output: the improved Kenbroo lays up to 220 eggs per year, compared to the pure Kienyeji’s 45 eggs. Furthermore, the Kenbroo matures to 1.5 kg to 2 kg at three and a half months, significantly faster than the local bird, which takes eight months to reach 1 kg to 1.5 kg.
Mr. Smollo, however, acknowledged three constraints facing poultry keepers: low productivity (linked to nutrition and genetics), market absence, and the policy environment. He urged beneficiaries to nurture the chicks with strict hygiene, a rigorous vaccination program, and proper feeding.
Hon. Kenneth Onyango, the CECM for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Blue Economy, thanked the National Government for the partnership. He challenged the recipients to shift from subsistence farming to commercial poultry keeping to realize income and transform their livelihoods.
“I urge the farmers to buy quality feeds and uphold best practices,” Hon. Onyango said. “When the cycle ends, you should re-invest and increase the number of birds such that it is a continuation throughout the seasons.”
The Chief Officer, Eng. Daniel Okia, assured farmers of continued support, noting that a follow-up will be done for each beneficiary to assess their care for the birds. He advised farmers to join Common Interest Groups (CIGs) to facilitate training and advice.
The County Livestock Director, Mr. Charles Kakuku, echoed the call for diligent care and urged farmers to seek extension services when needed to limit mortality rates and ensure better income.
