Daniel Mang’ong’o, a 40-year-old farmer originating from Muraka village in Kakamega County, has successfully transformed his modest three-quarter-acre farm into a flourishing poultry enterprise.
In response to the growing demand for white meat in the Kakamega region, Mang’ong’o entered the poultry farming domain in 2017. His focus extended to rearing a diverse range of poultry, including chickens, geese, turkeys, ducks, and guinea fowl.
What distinguishes Mang’ong’o’s venture is his astute emphasis on indigenous hens and their fertilized eggs. Recognizing the local preference for indigenous breeds over exotic ones, he strategically markets eggs at his shop, pricing them between Sh20 to Sh25 each. Additionally, he implements a nuanced pricing strategy for his poultry birds, with male birds commanding slightly higher prices due to their weight.
Resourcefulness lies at the core of Mang’ong’o’s success. Every aspect of his farm is utilized efficiently, with chicken droppings ingeniously repurposed as fertilizer for his vegetable and indigenous banana crops. Through composting, he transforms the droppings into nutrient-rich organic manure, significantly enhancing crop growth.
Mang’ong’o, a dedicated learner, actively engages in continuous research to refine his skills. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the internet, where he discovered techniques for identifying high-quality eggs with superior hatching potential. To hatch these eggs, he utilizes a commercial incubator, incurring a Sh20 charge for each egg from the incubator owner.
Upon the conclusion of the 21-day incubation period, Mang’ong’o takes charge of the chicks, ensuring their well-being through rigorous vaccination routines. Disciplined organization defines his approach, as he maintains separate enclosures for different age groups of birds to prevent cannibalism and streamline monitoring, feeding, and vaccination processes.
Mang’ong’o’s influence extends beyond his village, with orders pouring in from neighboring communities, schools, and hotels in the Kakamega, Siaya, and Kisumu regions. A fruitful week may witness the sale of up to 50 birds, potentially generating an impressive revenue of Sh50,000.
Poultry farming, however, presents inherent challenges. Escalating poultry feed costs and periodic disease outbreaks have proven to be formidable obstacles. With a weekly feed requirement of 70 kilos, the expenses accumulate rapidly, given the Sh2,000 price tag on each bag. Labor-intensive tasks such as waste management, hygiene maintenance, and vaccine administration further compound the challenges.
Despite these hurdles, Mang’ong’o remains resolute in his ambitions. Setbacks have not dampened his determination. He envisions a future of expansion, aiming to formulate his own feeds and implement value-added processes to maximize yields.
Through prudent financial management, Mang’ong’o has acquired two plots earmarked for potential development. Following his wife’s wise advice, these plots may soon host rental properties, turning his dreams into reality. In the face of adversity, Mang’ong’o stands as an emblem of resilience and unwavering determination.
