Today 40 farmers from Nyando and Kisumu West Sub counties each received 100 day old chicks as a seed capital into poultry business.
The initiative supported by FAO in consultation with the County Government of Kisumu could have not come at a better time than this when the impact of Covid – 19 caused a dramatic interruption in the livelihoods of farmers resulting into unprecedented challenges with socio- economic consequences coupled with food security and nutrition inadequacies due to interruption of food systems related logistics.
It is against this backdrop that FAO in consultation with the county, mooted a mitigation approach through local population in the Urban and Peri urban to promote poultry as a viable intervention by providing grants in form of day old chicks.
While presiding over the distribution of the 4,000 day old chicks to farmers, the County Director for Livestock , Mr. Charles Kakuku commended FAO for the generous move attributing it to good networks and conducive business environment created by Governor Nyong’o to the donors and development partners who impact positively on the livelihood of the people.
He implored on the farmers to take good care of the chicks and increase the fold by working closely with the extension officers on the ground. He also promised that in due course, they will receive the chick feeds.
Another batch of 6,000 day old chicks will also be given to sixty farmers in Kisumu East and Kisumu central later this month. This will total up to 10,000 day old chicks given as a grant by FAO- Kenya.
According to the supplier of chicks from KALRO, Mr. Isaac Ngana, the chicks should take 18 weeks to mature and that they can lay between 220 to 280 eggs per bird annually.
The farmers could not hide their joy as they received the chicks. Mr. Fred Ngode from Nyando Sub county appreciated the Governor’s coordination with FAO in addressing the challenge of food security in the area and promised to work closely with the office for success and for the benefit of Nyando people.
The Chairman of farmers in Kisumu West, Mr. Paul Ojuka on his part reiterated how they have spent lots of money on buying food but as from today, they have become producers. He called on the group members to take the initiative responsibly and asked extension officers for timely support when need arises.
Madam Emily Olang’ also termed the move a game changer that will improve their livelihood and the county as a whole.
Joining Mr. Charles Kakuku were the program liaison officer Mr Erick Ogadho, the M&E in charge Mr. Brian Bodo, the Nyando Sub county Agricultural Officer, Madam Garret Adhiambo, Kisumu West Sub county Agricultural Officer, Madam Anne Omulo among other county officers.
By; Emil Mikwa
