The story of Ogola, a University Graduate who ventured into Poultry Farming After School and Decided not to Hunt for Job Anymore.

A new generation of Kenyans is seeing farming as a realistic career option. Many people, including a 32-year-old graduate, have turned to chicken farming as a result of the shrinking employment market and the shortage of white collar positions.

Hidden Wealth

Beda Ogola, an Applied Statistics graduate and successful poultry farmer who got into the business after graduation, argues that while chicken farming is profitable, most Kenyans have not embraced it.

Ogola, who is a go-getter, has four farms that serve three distinct regions. His Joska farm raises Kuroiler chickens, while his Njiru operation raises a combination of Sasso chickens, commercial layers, and decorative birds.

“We can care for nearly 3,000 birds of all ages.” My farm currently produces around 16 trays of Kuroiler per day and seven trays of Sasso per day. “I have other farms for Rainbow roaster breed and exotic ducks in Rongo, Migori County, and Sondu, Kisumu County,” he says.

Diversification

Ogola manufactures growers’ feed and a little chick mash since he thinks it’s difficult to get high-quality feeds, especially for large-scale producers.

Broilers and layers are raised in urban areas, whereas indigenous chickens are mostly found in rural regions. Over one million chicks are produced every week in the commercial poultry industry, with 14% being layers and the remainder being broilers.

“In practice, though it is profitable, breaking through in chicken farming is a difficult task. As a result, one must swim gently. I’ve been able to stay afloat by diversifying to reduce risk, having a well-organized marketing plan, and using the internet to reach clients in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania,” he explains.

Ogola is one of the farmers who raise Kenya’s anticipated poultry population of 57 million birds, 47 million or 75% of which are indigenous chickens. Chicken broilers, layers, breeding stock, and other poultry species such as ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, ostriches, guinea fowls, and quails are also kept by farmers.

The following are easy to follow steps for poultry farming for beginners.

Have a strategy in place for how the firm will be run to prevent financial ruin.

Determine a better site and learn about the market’s need for chicken goods. Ensure that cash from returns is properly managed.

Consider a trustworthy breeder to prevent making a mistake with your breed selection.

Purchase high-quality chicken feed from a reputable vendor.

Maintain a clean environment.

Maintain poultry health by administering immunizations regularly.

Toxic substances must be removed from or near the chicken house. Proper housing must be free of floods, pests, predators, and severe cold or heat.

Use marketing methods that work.

Overcrowding of the birds should be avoided.

Have a strong desire for excellence.

Conclusion

Anyone who works hard is determined, and has the necessary expertise may succeed in poultry farming. Chicken farming has shown to be a viable venture in Kenya, with large profits.

For more information: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/thenairobian/money/2001424359/rearing-chicken-wont-make-you-a-millionaire; https://checkfarmtips.com/how-to-succeed-in-poultry-farming-in-kenya/