Wangui’s fascination with mollusks began in 2017 after she unknowingly consumed snail meat. Initially feeling squeamish, she quickly developed a fondness for the delicacy and decided to learn more about snails and how they are farmed.
Her journey led her to Uganda, where she found a farmer dedicated to snail farming. Motivated to deepen her knowledge, Wangui then traveled to Kigali to explore further opportunities in snail farming.
In Kenya, Wangui points out that the value of snails as pets, food, and a source of income remains largely unknown. When she started her snail farm in Nakuru, her community reacted negatively, even accusing her of witchcraft, as most people were unfamiliar with the idea of eating or farming snails.
However, Wangui explains that snails are a common delicacy in regions such as Asia, West Africa, and South Africa. In Kenya, they are mostly consumed by foreigners from these areas, though she notes that Kenyans are gradually beginning to accept snails as a food source.
Snails are an excellent source of white meat and are rich in vitamins B12, B16, and B18. On Wangui’s farm, the snails are reared organically.
A Profitable Venture
Wangui highlights that snails are highly valuable as a source of income. She earns from selling snail meat, which can fetch up to Ksh 7,000 per kilogram. Additionally, snail by-products, particularly snail slime, are in high demand.
“The slime is used to make beauty products, and it’s very expensive,” says Wangui.
She explains that snail “cavalier” is even more costly, with a kilogram of it selling for up to $2,000 in Europe and Asia. Wangui encourages those struggling with unemployment to consider snail farming.
“If you sell a kilo of snail cavalier, you’ll be better off than most employed people,” she asserts.
Furthermore, snail shells are crushed for use as calcium in animal feed and can also be used for decorative purposes.
Value Addition
Wangui has ventured into value addition by using snail slime to create beauty products such as face masks, scrubbers, and soaps. She even makes her own laundry soap from the slime. After distributing her products for free within her community, she received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Currently, Wangui is awaiting certification from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) before formally launching her products in the market.
“You don’t have to be a snail farmer to profit from them. You can buy the slime, create your own products, and sell them within the community,” she advises.
Low Maintenance and Expenses
According to Wangui, snails require minimal food, primarily consisting of kale, carrots, calcium, and water. Overfeeding them can be harmful, as excessive protein can cause them to die. For this reason, it’s important to allow them a day of rest between feedings.
“The income from snails is significant compared to the costs of feeding them. You can easily grow their food in a small kitchen garden,” Wangui adds.
Startup Costs
Wangui shares that she invested Ksh 250,000 to start her snail farming business. However, she believes it is possible to start with just Ksh 40,000. The initial expenses include purchasing breeder snails, which cost Ksh 1,600 per kilogram. Starting with 20 kilograms of breeders is recommended for ease of management.
She estimates that building the necessary structures for the farm will cost around Ksh 5,000, while Ksh 5,000 should be allocated for training in snail farming.
Wangui advises that passion for the business, along with the right knowledge (which can be gained through training), are crucial for success. Additionally, a permit from Kenya Wildlife Services is required to legally farm snails.
