Poultry Production in Kenya

Kenya's agricultural landscape is prominently marked by its poultry sector, vital to food security and economic development. The country's poultry population stands impressively at approximately 31 million birds. Indigenous chickens dominate this population, constituting about 75%; broilers and layers comprise 22%, and breeding stock a mere 1% (Pius et al., 2021). This distribution is vital in understanding the different production dynamics across the country. For instance, Nairobi hosts about 342,788 commercial chickens compared to its 279,397 indigenous chickens (Pius et al., 2021). In contrast, the Rift Valley region, being the largest, is home to over 6.5 million indigenous chickens and around 1.34 million commercial chickens. These figures illustrate the scale and scope of poultry across urban and rural settings in Kenya, addressing the burgeoning demand for poultry products.

Breeds and products in Kenya

The most prevalent are indigenous chickens, known for their hardiness and adaptability to local climates. These birds primarily produce eggs and meat that are highly valued for their rich flavour. Commercial breeds include layers such as the Hyline and Isa Brown, optimized for high egg production. Broilers like the Cobb and Ross are reared for their fast growth rates and substantial meat yield. Additionally, specialized breeds, such as the Kuroiler and Kenbro, bred for meat and egg production, offer a dual-purpose solution for small to medium-scale farmers.

Figure 1. Eggs: Brown eggs from brown-layer hens and white from white-layer hens

Figure 2. Indigenous chicken

  Figure 3. Brown layer hens  

Figure 4. White Leghorn layer hens

Figure 5. Broiler chicks

 Economic Contribution

Poultry significantly bolsters Kenya's agricultural sector, contributing about 25% to the national GDP. Within this sector, poultry alone accounts for roughly 30% of the agricultural GDP contribution, a testament to its economic significance. This impact is reflected not only in direct production but also through auxiliary industries such as feed production. The animal feed sector, vital for competitive livestock production, faces high costs; in some cases, over half the production cost is due to pricey raw materials such as maize and soy.

Consumption Patterns

The consumption of poultry products in Kenya has shown considerable fluctuations, with per capita poultry meat consumption reaching 1.70 kg in 2021, a significant increase from previous years. This indicates a growing domestic market, an essential aspect of the poultry value chain. Historically, consumption peaked at 2.65 kg in 2018 but had been as low as 0.490 kg in 1999, highlighting the variable nature of this market over decades.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its substantial contribution, the poultry sector is not without its challenges. Outbreaks like Newcastle disease and avian influenza pose serious threats, often devastating flocks: high feed costs and the variability of raw material prices further strain profitability (Njagi, 2022; Wamae et al., 2024). Additionally, logistical challenges in accessing markets, particularly for rural farmers, and limited access to credit for small-scale operators hinder sector growth. Production limitations also include more slaughterhouses and better educational resources for poultry farming.

Opportunities for Expansion

The potential for growth in the Kenyan poultry sector is considerable, particularly in urban domestic markets, which are expanding due to urbanization. There is also an opportunity to penetrate regional and Middle Eastern markets, especially for halal-certified products (OEC 2024). Institutional markets like schools, hospitals, and military setups offer stable demand. Moreover, the sector can innovate by developing value-added products such as sausages and marinated cuts, aligning with consumer preferences for convenience.

Strategic Development and Future Outlook

To harness the full potential of the poultry industry, Kenya must adopt strategic investments and supportive policies that address current challenges, including protectionist policies. Enhancing feed production, improving infrastructure, managing health issues effectively, and strengthening poultry farmers' education and support systems are crucial. The sector's growth will also be essential to tapping into emerging markets domestically and internationally. With these measures, the poultry industry in Kenya can significantly impact the nation's food security and economic progress, benefiting producers and consumers alike.

References

Njagi, T. (2022). Kenya’s Animal Feeds Manufacturing Competitiveness Technical Report. http://www.tegemeo.org

Pius, L. O., Strausz, P., & Kusza, S. (2021). Overview of Poultry Management as a Key Factor for Solving Food and Nutritional Security with a Special Focus on Chicken Breeding in East African Countries. Biology 2021, Vol. 10, Page 810, 10(8), 810. https://doi.org/10.3390/BIOLOGY10080810

Poultry in Kenya | The Observatory of Economic Complexity. (2024). Retrieved May 2, 2024, from https://oec.world/en/profile/bilateral-product/poultry/reporter/ken

Wamai, L. K., Munga, L. M., Osuga, I. M., Munguti, J. M., Subramanian, S., Kidoido, M. K., Ghemoh, J. C., Mwendia, C. M., & Tanga, C. M. (2024). Big opportunities for tiny bugs: rush to boost laying hen performance using black soldier fly larvae meal. Journal of Economic Entomology, 117(1), 58–72. https://doi.org/10.1093/JEE/TOAD230

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