Daniel Mang’ong’o, a 40-year-old farmer from Muraka village in Kakamega County, has transformed his three-quarter-acre farm into a profitable poultry company.
In response to the rising demand for white meat in the Kakamega region, he began poultry farming in 2017, focusing on raising a variety of birds such as chickens, geese, turkeys, ducks and guinea fowls.
What distinguishes Mang’ong’o’s business is his astute concentration on indigenous hens and fertilized eggs. He noted the local preference for indigenous hens and eggs over alien kinds.
This quick understanding prompted him to sell eggs in his shop for rates ranging from Ksh 20 to Ksh 25 per.
Furthermore, his sales technique includes pricing his poultry birds differently, with male fowl commanding somewhat higher rates.
Mang’ong’o’s success can be attributed to his resourcefulness as nothing goes to waste on his property.
The chicken droppings are cleverly used as fertilizer for his vegetable and indigenous banana gardens. By composting the droppings, he produces nutrient-rich organic manure that dramatically improves crop growth.
Mang’ong’o understands the value of knowledge. He is committed to honing his craft through careful research.
His eagerness to study led him to the internet, where he discovered methods for selecting high-quality eggs with excellent hatching potential.
To hatch these eggs, he uses a commercial incubator, with each egg costing Ksh 20 from the incubator owner.
After the 21-day incubation period, Mang’ong’o takes custody of the chicks and raises them on his farm. Rigorous immunization schedules ensure the birds’ continuous health.
Taai Odero: Doctor Who Quit Medical Career Now Running Thriving Tours and Travel Company
Discipline defines Mang’ong’o’s organizational style.
He has separate enclosures for different age groups of birds, which prevents cannibalism and allows for more efficient monitoring, feeding and immunization.
In order to create optimal circumstances, he carefully places heat-emitting bulbs within the enclosures, providing crucial warmth to the birds.
Mang’ong’o’s influence stretches well beyond his hometown.
Orders are pouring in from nearby towns, including local people, schools, and hotels in Kakamega, Siaya, and Kisumu.
A successful week might result in the sale of up to 50 birds, generating an astounding revenue of Ksh 50,000.
Poultry farming, on the other hand, has inherent challenges. Rising poultry feed costs and occasional disease outbreaks have proven difficult.
With a weekly feed demand of 70 kilos, the expenses mount up quickly, especially given the Ksh 2,000 price tag on each bag.
Waste management, hygiene maintenance, and vaccination administration are all labor-intensive procedures that add to the difficulty.
Nonetheless, Mang’ong’o stays resolute in his goals. The disappointments have not hindered his goals.
He foresee a future of growth, developing his own feed formulations and embracing value-added techniques to increase output.
With prudent financial management, Mang’ong’o has procured two plots, earmarked for potential development.
