Kenya distributes advanced breed of chicks to smallholder farmers

Kenya's State Department for Livestock Development has selected more than 80 women's groups in Homa Bay as beneficiaries of its livestock empowerment programme launched across all 47 counties

Smallholder farmers in Homa Bay received improved KENBRO chicks as First Lady Rachel Ruto presided over the distribution. According to principal livestock production officer, Fred Oruru, these chicks add to the hardiness of local breeds, making them exceptionally disease-resilient, with a laying capacity of 200 and 280 eggs a year. That is a marked improvement in egg production compared with about 45 eggs from indigenous birds. They can also attain a weight of 2 to 2.5 kilogrammes in 3.5 months, compared with 1 to 1.5 kilogrammes in eight months for local breeds.

The upgraded breed will support 3.6 million households, especially women and youth, said Oruru. 

“With proper management, chicken farming can become one of the most profitable and sustainable ventures for smallholders in Homa Bay. The handover is not an end in itself but part of a continuous programme to transform the poultry industry nationally,” he said.

Ruto defined the initiative as transformational for the region's livestock sector as it will boost food security, nutrition and household incomes.

“The women have been equipped with skills to build viable and sustainable enterprises. The programme will economically empower them and improve their source of livelihoods,” she said.

According to Ruto, women must see agriculture more than just food source for their families and take it as a opportunity for wealth creation that can sustain generations. 

Overall the programme will be benefitting 1,200 women groups by providing livelihood support through sustainable enterprises promotion for increased household incomes.

“A society where women are empowered progresses. We support the programme because it is a way of sustaining the livelihoods of people,” said Homa Bay's Governor, Gladys Wanga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga while speaking of advancing financial inclusion and enterprise development through the initiative.