Steve Kamwamu, the Managing Director of Kamsa Poultry, has successfully led the business for the past nine years. His journey into poultry farming began in 2014, driven by a desire to address the lack of nutritious food in his community and his personal ambition to become a business owner. Chicken farming emerged as a promising opportunity to fulfill these goals.
What initially started as a side venture soon proved to be financially viable, prompting Steve to leave his job at a milling company and focus solely on his poultry business. However, his early days were challenging, as he lost a significant portion of his initial flock. Through this experience, he learned about commercial hatcheries, which play a crucial role in incubating and hatching eggs.
Steve quickly recognized the advantages of focusing on egg production, noting that egg sales provide a steady income, unlike chicken meat, which is highly seasonal, peaking during holidays and festive periods. By 2021, he had built a successful operation, managing 5,000 egg-laying birds that produced 145 trays of eggs daily.
Despite his success, Steve continues to face significant challenges in the poultry industry. Disease outbreaks remain a major concern, as many poultry diseases have high mortality rates. Steve acknowledged that even with proper precautions, diseases can still strike unexpectedly, and it’s vital to be prepared. Other challenges include the inconsistent supply of essential inputs, such as feed and vaccines.
In summary, Steve Kamwamu’s journey in poultry farming is a testament to resilience and perseverance. His ability to overcome obstacles, from disease outbreaks to early setbacks, has helped him build a thriving business. His focus on egg production serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring poultry farmers, highlighting the importance of consistency and adaptability in ensuring long-term success.
