Why Kenyans should eat more eggs daily

By Protus Onyango

Kenyans have been urged to eat more eggs to meet the international egg consumption rate.

Dr David Nyagaka, the Novus International’s technical sales manager for East Africa said the egg consumption rate for Kenyans falls way below the recommended international figure.

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 180 eggs per person per year but in Kenya our consumption rate is 36 eggs per person per year. Kenyans have a habit of selling eggs but not eating them. I advise Kenyans to keep poultry and consume eggs,” Dr Nyagaka said.

He called on Kenyans to embrace poultry keeping as a source of food and employment. “Land is diminishing fast and soon many families will not be able to raise livestock. Chicken and eggs will become the preferred source of protein and is nutritionally balanced. A farmer only needs little space to keep poultry as compared to livestock,” he said.

Dr Nyagaka also noted that poultry keeping is environment friendly. “Livestock which are ruminants emit more gases compared to poultry and if more people embraced poultry keeping, the environment will gain more. Poultry keeping should also be seen as a source of income when done on large scale,” he said.

He added, “It is estimated that one billion people in the world are underfed and malnourished and that in 40 years, the population will increase by three billion. Eggs have the power to feed the world’s growing population, are affordable, readily available and have low carbon footprint.”

Dr Nyagaka also noted that egg consumption reduces the risk of heart disease and breast cancer.

“It is because of the many advantages of eggs that we are joining the world to mark World Eggs Day at Thika Municipal Stadium on October 12 to sensitise the public on the importance and benefits of the egg,” he said.

Novus International supported by sponsors like Kenchic, Kenya Poultry farmers Association and Animal Feeds Association Activities will organize the event.

“We shall train farmers on how to produce quality eggs in a safe environment to eliminate risks of contamination brought about by bacteria when eggs mix with poultry faeces,” Dr Nyagaka said.

The event will feature road shows, exhibitions, school performances, talks from nutritionists, training people on ways of cooking eggs, storage and markets.

He called on the government to offer extension services to farmers. “If the government is serious about achieving Vision 2030, this is the industry to develop as it has a huge potential of providing employment to millions of youths,” Dr Nyagaka said.

World Egg Day is the international event that celebrates the egg all around the world; it is a unique opportunity to help raise awareness of the benefits of eggs and is celebrated in countries all around the world.