Anna Ndunda has built a poultry farming empire centered around a sophisticated battery cage system, which showcases her meticulous approach to farm management and commitment to the poultry business. She underscores the pivotal role this system plays in ensuring the collection of clean eggs.
According to Ndunda, the cage system allows for the precise monitoring of each bird’s health and productivity. This enables quick intervention, such as isolating sick birds, and optimizes the use of feed and water by minimizing waste. In a past media interview, she emphasized the efficiency the system brings to her farm operations.
Her process begins with sourcing day-old chicks from certified suppliers in Nairobi, which are then placed in a brooder powered by charcoal-fired pots. These chicks receive a vaccination regimen to protect them from common diseases.
“We use Issa Brown, a hybrid breed known for its high egg production. At three months old, the chicks are moved to the cages, and by 18 to 20 weeks, they start laying eggs. Their productivity continues until they are 18 months old,” she explained in a past interview with Seeds of Gold.
Ndunda initially started with a small-scale operation using the deep litter system for both meat and egg production. However, the venture faced profitability challenges. Her breakthrough came after visiting President William Ruto’s poultry farm in Sugoi, Uasin Gishu County. There, she learned about the cage system, the significance of clean water, high-quality feed, and the gradual introduction of grower mash to chicks.
Now, with a flock of 1,500 layers, Ndunda is one of the largest chicken farmers in her county, collecting 43 trays of eggs daily. Wholesalers purchase her eggs, distributing them to various customers, including individuals, restaurants, and hotels in Wote Township. The size and cleanliness of her eggs, thanks to the battery cage system, have earned them a reputation for quality.
Despite the impressive daily output, Anna’s 43 trays of eggs are not enough to meet the local demand, highlighting the potential profitability of expanding in this business.
Operating in a semi-arid region that often suffers from droughts and crop failure, Ndunda faces significant challenges related to water and feed. She spends Sh. 11,000 daily on commercial feed and Sh. 10,000 monthly on water. However, she plans to expand her flock to 10,000 birds and diversify her revenue streams by creating a model farm that will offer training on poultry farming and egg production.
Nicholas Muyale, chairman of the Kenya Veterinary Association, points out that feed costs account for 70% of the expenses involved in egg production in Kenya. This high cost makes local eggs less competitive compared to imports from Uganda. He encourages Kenyan poultry farmers to explore innovative solutions, such as utilizing Black Soldier Fly maggots, to lower feed costs and improve the profitability of egg production.
