Kelvin Kilonzo’s journey into entrepreneurship is a testament to his unwavering dedication and vision, particularly in the realm of poultry farming, where he has found both fulfillment and success.
From his early years, Kilonzo harbored a deep-seated passion for poultry farming, a passion that would eventually flourish into a thriving business venture. His approach is marked by a commitment to adding value to his products, particularly through the hatching of chicks, ensuring that consumers receive top-quality poultry directly from his own farm.
Born in Tala, Machakos, Kilonzo’s entrepreneurial spirit quickly took root, transforming his modest beginnings into a flourishing enterprise. Reflecting on his humble start during an interview with Taifa Leo, Kilonzo recalls the invaluable lessons instilled by his mother, where every coin saved from shopping or leftover purchases served as seed capital for his dreams.
With just Sh30 in capital, Kilonzo embarked on his poultry venture, starting with only three chicks. Despite encountering numerous hurdles along the way, his determination remained steadfast. His perseverance bore fruit, resulting in a significant expansion of his poultry operation, enabling him to finance his high school education solely through the proceeds of his business.
Following the completion of his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination, Kilonzo further honed his skills by pursuing a Diploma in Animal Science, solidifying his foundation in poultry farming. Even during his academic pursuits, Kilonzo continued to nurture and expand his poultry business, diversifying into vegetable and tomato cultivation.
Today, Kilonzo stands as a respected figure in Kenya’s poultry farming sector, overseeing a substantial project specializing in egg incubation for chick production in Kiambu County. Under his company, Tala Poultry Farmers, he manages another initiative focused on indigenous egg-laying chickens along Kangundo Road, Machakos.
With a portfolio boasting thousands of chicks and a diverse range of indigenous chicken breeds, including Kuroiler F1, Rainbow rooster, Sasso, Kari, and Kenbrow, Kilonzo’s operations showcase a remarkable scale of production.
His clientele extends across various sectors, catering to NGOs, youth groups, mothers’ groups, individual farmers, restaurants, and hotels across multiple counties. Additionally, his Kangundo Road project emphasizes egg production, with a substantial portion of the daily yield collected and distributed.
In response to the challenges posed by soaring feed costs, Kilonzo has implemented a strategy of producing his own chicken feed, significantly reducing operational expenses. This innovative approach not only mitigates the impact of high-value-added tax (VAT) on raw materials but also addresses the scarcity of essential resources, fostering sustainability within the industry.
Furthermore, Kilonzo has embraced modern techniques in poultry farming, implementing advanced watering systems to optimize efficiency and productivity.
Kelvin Kilonzo’s entrepreneurial journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and innovation in achieving success within the poultry farming sector. Through his unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous adaptation to industry challenges, he continues to inspire and shape the landscape of poultry farming in Kenya and beyond.
