From Poultry to Profit: A Kenyan Farmer’s Journey to Agribusiness Success

What started as a small backyard venture with just five chickens has now grown into a thriving poultry agribusiness. Jane Njeri, a determined farmer from Nakuru County, has become a shining example of how dedication, planning, and the right support can turn a humble idea into a sustainable source of income.

Jane’s journey from subsistence farming to running a profitable poultry enterprise mirrors the potential of many Kenyan farmers who embrace agribusiness principles, modern practices, and strategic marketing.

The Beginning: A Modest Start with Big Dreams

Jane’s initial goal was simple—to produce eggs for her family and sell a few extras for pocket money. She bought five local hens and built a makeshift coop using old iron sheets and wooden planks. Within a few months, her small flock began producing eggs consistently.

Encouraged by the results, she reinvested profits into buying improved layers and proper feed. Her flock grew to 50, then 100 birds. That’s when she realized poultry could be more than just a side hustle—it could become her main source of livelihood.

Scaling Up: From Flock to Formal Business

Investment in Improved Breeds

To increase egg production and reduce losses, Jane invested in high-yielding layers and broilers from certified hatcheries. With proper care, these birds consistently outperformed traditional breeds in both weight and egg output.

Training and Extension Support

Jane attended poultry farming workshops organized by the county agriculture office. She learned about disease control, proper vaccination schedules, and optimized feeding routines—all of which significantly reduced mortality rates.

Financial Management and Record-Keeping

She began tracking expenses, revenues, and flock performance using a simple notebook. This helped her identify peak seasons, plan for feed purchases, and improve cash flow.

Finding a Market: The Turning Point

Initially, Jane sold eggs to neighbors and local kiosks. But as production increased, she needed more reliable buyers. She approached local hotels, schools, and even registered with a mobile-based market platform to reach bulk buyers.

Today, she supplies over 1,500 eggs per week and delivers dressed broiler meat to restaurants and catering businesses in Nakuru town.

Key Success Factors in Jane’s Journey

Consistency and Planning

Jane credits her growth to sticking to her vision, keeping detailed records, and reinvesting profits into the business.

Community Engagement

She joined a women’s farming group where members share advice, access group loans, and negotiate better input prices.

Innovation and Flexibility

When egg prices dropped during the pandemic, Jane diversified into chicks and feed sales, cushioning her business from market shocks.

Inspiring Others: Giving Back Through Mentorship

Jane now mentors other aspiring poultry farmers, especially women and youth. She offers farm visits, holds training sessions, and has even started a WhatsApp group for knowledge sharing.

Her dream is to build a certified hatchery and partner with county officials to distribute affordable chicks to underserved farmers.

Conclusion: Poultry Farming as a Path to Prosperity

Jane Njeri’s story shows that with the right mindset, knowledge, and support, small-scale poultry farming in Kenya can grow into a lucrative agribusiness. Her journey is proof that farming doesn’t have to be about survival—it can be about success, innovation, and impact.

As more farmers adopt modern practices and leverage support systems, poultry farming will continue to play a vital role in job creation, nutrition, and rural development in Kenya.