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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Veteran poultry keeper shares success secrets

Smart Harvest

By Renson Mnyamwezi | Dec 15, 2018

**Governor Granton Samboja (centre) at a stand that showcased poultry equipment. [Courtesy]**

At the inaugural Taita Taveta County Agricultural Society of Kenya Trade Fair, stands that showcased poultry solutions also attracted traffic. One of the prominent poultry farms in Voi that exhibited their products is the Almar Poultry Farm that specialises in hatchery services.

The half-an-care farm, in Birikani village, also specialises in rearing improved Kienyeji chicken for sale.

The farm owner buys eggs from Uganda and improved Kienyeji eggs from KARI then puts them in an incubator. Showgoers were eager to learn more about the farm that is considered successful.

Beware of fakes!

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“I started this farm in 2013 after I got a grant of Sh160,000 from the government. We decided to rear the chicks separately. Today I have an incubator that can hatch 1,584 birds at a go,” farm owner Mary Aluoch Akum shared her journey with interested farmers.

Like most ventures, she started small.

“I started with only 10 chicks but today I have thousands of chicks which I sell in Coast and other parts of the country,” she sharedher inspiring story.

As she advised the farmers, she talked of the importance of getting it right with poultry structure and feeds.

She also cautioned farmers not to fall into traps of people who sell fake chicken feeds.

“Chicken feed is a big component of production. So if you are buying commercial ones, make sure your supplier is a trusted fellow. I must warn you that the market is flooded with con men who can sell you sand in the name of chicken feed. To be on the safe side, deal with suppliers who have an established name,” she advised.

To succeed, social support is also important. “I am lucky I have the full support of my husband, Oyindo.

He has helped me set up the business up to where it is. He helped me with the construction of a poultry coop, getting quality eggs and setting up the hatchery. He researches a lot online and helps me with information,” she opened up. As she shared her story, questions kept coming her way.

“What about market Mama? How do you ensure you never lack one?” a young eager show goer asked.

“Good question. The reason we are in this business is to make money and to achieve that, you must have a good market. The bigger and more reliable it is, the better for you,” she said.

Noting that most farmers jump into farming with no clue where they will sell their products, she stressed on the need to find a market first.

“My advise is identify the market first before you get the first stock. On my part, I am aggressive. I search for new markets with passion.”

The poultry keeper has a ready market for the improved chicken in Coast and beyond.

“I sell day-old chicks to my customers. Others buy the two-weeks and month old chicks. It depends on the customer. I can assure you that the market is there if you are producing quality,” she says.

Another important aspect, is training programmes. Akum has undergone several trainings from Strathmore University and Coast Development Authority on agribusiness, feeding, veterinary services and health among others.

Akum’s journey hasn’t been rosy.

For her, it was difficult finding a consistent supplier of eggs from Uganda and Kari.

“Power was also a challenge therefore I had to dig deeper into my pockets to invest in back up system. You know with erratic power, incubators can mess you up,” she said. Despite the challenges, she soldiers on.

“If you want a get-rich-quick scheme, forget farming. This is a business that requires patience, passion and commitment. If you do not have these, you will close shop immediately.”