Broiler farming in Kenya refers to the rearing of chicken specifically bred for meat production. These chickens, known as broilers, grow rapidly and are typically ready for market in 5 to 7 weeks under proper management. The practice has become increasingly popular among Kenyan farmers due to the high demand for affordable protein in urban and rural areas.
Broiler farming requires controlled housing, quality feed, clean water, and effective disease management. Small-scale farmers often start with a few hundred chicks, while commercial farms raise thousands. With proper care and planning, broiler farming in Kenya can be a highly profitable venture.
Why Broiler Farming Is Booming in Kenya
The boom in broiler farming is fueled by the increased consumption of chicken meat, especially in towns and cities. According to a report by FAO Kenya, poultry contributes significantly to food security and income generation. Additionally, improved breeds, better feeds, and access to veterinary services have made broiler farming more feasible for small-scale farmers.
Getting Started with Broiler Farming: What You Need to Know To start broiler farming in Kenya, you need:
- A clean and well-ventilated poultry house
- Day-old chicks from a reputable hatchery
- Quality feed and clean drinking water
- Proper vaccination and health monitoring
You also need basic training in poultry management. Organizations like KALRO and county agricultural offices offer training programs to new farmers.
Best Broiler Breeds for Kenyan Farmers Popular broiler breeds in Kenya include:
- Cobb 500: Known for its fast growth rate and feed efficiency
- Ross 308: Valued for consistent performance and meat yield
- Arbor Acres: Good growth rate and excellent feed conversion
Always source your chicks from certified suppliers like Kenchic, which offers vaccinated and high-quality day-old chicks.
How to Build a Profitable Broiler Chicken House A proper poultry house should protect birds from predators, harsh weather, and disease. Ensure good ventilation, adequate space (at least 1 square foot per bird), and easy access to food and water. For guidance, refer to the ILRI guide on poultry housing best practices in East Africa.
Feeding Your Broilers: Nutritional Needs and Tips Broilers need a balanced diet to grow quickly and healthily. Their feed should include protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. A common feeding schedule is:
- Starter feed (0–21 days)
- Grower feed (22–28 days)
- Finisher feed (29 days to slaughter)
Use trusted feed brands like Unga Farmcare or Pembe Feeds and avoid abrupt changes in diet.
Common Diseases in Broilers and How to Prevent Them Broiler chickens are susceptible to diseases like:
- Newcastle Disease
- Gumboro (Infectious Bursal Disease)
- Coccidiosis
Preventive measures include vaccination, proper hygiene, and regular vet checkups. KEVEVAPI provides vaccination schedules and disease control guidelines.
How to Market and Sell Broiler Chickens in Kenya
Farmers can sell to:
- Local butcheries
- Hotels and restaurants
- Supermarkets
- Direct to consumers
Packaging, consistency, and reliability are key to retaining clients. Social media platforms and online marketplaces like Jiji Kenya can help reach more customers.
Is Broiler Farming Profitable in Kenya? A Cost-Benefit Analysis
Yes, broiler farming can be very profitable if managed well. On average, a farmer can earn a profit margin of 25-35% per batch. For example, raising 500 broilers can yield a net income of over Ksh 50,000 in less than two months. The main costs include chicks, feed, labor, and utilities.
Mistakes to Avoid in Broiler Chicken Farming
Avoid the following pitfalls:
- Overcrowding birds
- Poor sanitation
- Using low-quality feeds
- Ignoring disease symptoms
These mistakes can lead to poor growth, disease outbreaks, and high mortality rates.
From Chicks to Market: Broiler Chicken Growth Timeline
- Week 1-3: Brooders need extra heat and close monitoring
- Week 4-5: Rapid weight gain and feathering
- Week 6-7: Ready for market, typically 1.8 to 2.5 kg per bird
Regular weighing helps track progress and determine optimal sale time.
How to Maximize Profits in Broiler Farming in Kenya
- Buy feed in bulk to cut costs
- Use energy-efficient lighting
- Recycle poultry litter as fertilizer or biogas
- Diversify income with value-added products like dressed chicken or chicken sausages
Broiler Farming Success Stories in Kenya
Many Kenyan youth and women have turned to broiler farming with great success. For instance, Youth Village Kenya features stories of graduates who earn over Ksh 100,000 monthly from poultry farming. These examples show that passion and good planning can turn farming into a sustainable career.
Broiler Farming in Kenya vs. Layers: Which Is Better for You?
Broilers grow fast and offer quicker returns, making them ideal for short-term profits. Layers, on the other hand, produce eggs for over a year and are suitable for long-term income. Choose based on your capital, market demand, and business goals.
Government and NGO Support for Poultry Farmers in Kenya Initiatives like the Kenya Youth Agribusiness Strategy and World Bank’s NARIGP offer funding, training, and inputs to poultry farmers.
Time to Grow Your Flock! Broiler farming in Kenya is a high-potential agribusiness if done right. With growing demand, proper training, and smart investment, you can build a thriving poultry enterprise. Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, the opportunities are endless—so why not grow your flock today?
Broiler farming in Kenya is gaining popularity as an affordable and profitable agribusiness venture. With the country’s growing urban population and rising demand for affordable protein sources, broiler chickens offer an attractive investment for both rural and urban farmers. These fast-growing birds are typically reared for 5 to 7 weeks and are then ready for market. Broiler farming is ideal for farmers who want quick returns and are willing to manage their flock intensively.
