Mary Nyadimo, widely known as Mary Wa Mumias, is a thriving poultry farmer from Mumias, Kenya. At just 30 years old, she has transformed a side venture into a booming enterprise, generating over Ksh 1.2 million in profits.
Mary’s journey into poultry farming began in 2023 with an initial investment of Ksh 200,000. She used the funds to construct chicken housing, purchase feed, and acquire her first batch of 300 improved Kienyeji chicks.
“I started poultry farming as a way to supplement my income from my traditional food restaurant in Nairobi’s central business district. I wanted an additional source of income, but I never expected it to become my primary business,” Mary shared.
Encouraged by the success of her first 300 chicks, she expanded her flock by adding 700 more birds, followed by another 800. Today, her farm is home to 2,000 chickens—1,000 raised for meat and 1,000 layers producing eggs. Her primary clientele includes hotels, event planners, and private buyers across Kakamega and neighboring regions.
Despite her remarkable success, Mary’s journey has not been without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles she faced was the high cost of poultry feed, a common issue among farmers.
“At first, I was using two bags of feed every week, costing me Ksh 7,000. It was tough, but once the chickens matured, I began selling them, and the returns were worth it,” she noted.
Mary sells her chickens at Ksh 900 per bird for bulk buyers and Ksh 1,000 for smaller orders. She starts selling after just three months, ensuring a quick turnaround on her investment. Her strategic approach to sales and an expanding customer base have helped her achieve over Ksh 1.2 million in profits within two years.
However, her success came with valuable lessons in farm management. Early in her venture, she lost nearly 200 chicks due to inadequate supervision.
“Chickens require constant attention, especially in the early stages. Even if you hire someone, they won’t care for them the way you would because they don’t understand your goals or the investment you’ve made. That’s why I now split my time between my farm in Mumias and my restaurant in Nairobi,” she explained.
Mary Wa Mumias’ story is a testament to perseverance, smart investment, and dedication. Her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn small ventures into successful businesses.
