Poultry Farming in Kenya: How to Keep Layers for Profit

Have you been wondering what agribusiness initiative you can embark on in the coming year? If you’re looking for a venture with relatively low startup costs, high demand, and the potential for steady daily income, then layers poultry farming could be your answer.

This article will guide you step-by-step on how to get started, stay afloat, and make a profit from raising layer chickens in Kenya. With proper planning, careful implementation, and a proactive approach to management, layers farming can be a highly rewarding agribusiness.

Why Choose Layer Farming in Kenya?

Eggs are a staple in most Kenyan households. They are affordable, rich in nutrients, and consumed across all income brackets. Hotels, schools, hospitals, supermarkets, and households are always in need of fresh eggs. With this consistent demand, layer farming offers you a reliable agribusiness opportunity.

Moreover, raising layers also offers by-products such as manure, which can be sold or used on your farm. Layers farming is scalable — you can start small and grow gradually.

Step 1: Preparing, Exploring, and Researching

Before diving in, thorough research is crucial. Many people fail in poultry farming because they do not take time to understand the business. Here’s what your preparation should include:

Understand Breeds Suitable for Layers

Not all chicken breeds are good for egg production. Common high-yielding layers include:

• Hy-Line Brown
• ISA Brown
• Lohmann Brown
• Rhode Island Red
• Leghorns

These breeds are known for their early maturity, high egg output, and efficient feed conversion.

Local Regulations and Permits

Visit your local agricultural offices to inquire about any required licensing, vaccinations, or disease-control regulations. Compliance will save you trouble down the road.

Formulate a Business Plan

Your plan should define:

• Your target market (retail, wholesale, or institutional buyers)
• The number of birds to start with
• Investment capital
• Pricing strategy
• Break-even analysis
• Expansion plan

Also assess the egg demand in your area, feed costs, and competition.

Step 2: Financial Planning and Budgeting

Success in poultry farming is impossible without a solid financial foundation. Budgeting allows you to plan and avoid surprises. Here’s a breakdown for a small start-up with 200 layer chicks:

Note:

• If you’re building the poultry house from scratch, include construction costs.
• Consider recurring costs like electricity, water, and labor if applicable.

Understanding your cost structure helps you determine the price per egg needed to break even and make a profit.

Step 3: Building Poultry Structures

Housing Requirements

Layers need adequate space, good airflow, and protection from predators. Key considerations:

• Space: Provide 1.5 to 2 square feet per bird.
• Ventilation: Proper air movement helps reduce ammonia buildup and prevents respiratory issues.
• Lighting: Layers need 14–16 hours of light daily for optimal laying.
• Litter: Use wood shavings or sawdust. Keep it dry and clean to prevent diseases.

Nesting and Perches

• Provide one nesting box per 4–5 hens.
• Perches encourage natural roosting behavior and reduce stress.

Security

Install a strong fence and, in theft-prone areas, consider a CCTV system. Theft or predator attacks can cause huge losses overnight.

Step 4: Procuring Quality Layer Chicks

Buy your chicks from a reputable hatchery. Ensure the hatchery:

• Has a good track record
• Vaccinates day-old chicks
• Offers healthy, active, and uniformly sized chicks

Popular hatcheries in Kenya include Kenchic, Muguku, and Sigma Feeds.

Step 5: Feed Management and Feeding Patterns

Feeding determines the health and productivity of your birds. Chickens pass through three main feeding phases:

1. Chick Mash (0–8 Weeks)
2. Growers Mash (9–20 Weeks)
3. Layers Mash (21+ Weeks)

Feeding Tips

• Feed in the morning (60%) and late afternoon (40%).
• Provide feed on clean trays or troughs.
• Adjust feed quantities based on age and weight.

Avoid sudden feed changes — this may shock the birds and affect laying.

Step 6: Water Management

Water is more important than feed — chickens can survive a few days without food but not without water.

Key Points:

• Provide 230–300 ml of clean water per bird per day.
• Water intake doubles during hot seasons.
• Clean drinkers daily to prevent disease.

Automated nipple drinkers help reduce spillage and contamination.

Step 7: Disease Prevention and Health Management

Chicken health is the cornerstone of profitability. Losses from diseases can wipe out your investment overnight.

Common Layer Diseases in Kenya

• Newcastle Disease
• Gumboro (Infectious Bursal Disease)
• Fowl Typhoid
• Coccidiosis
• Fowl Pox

Disease Prevention Plan:

1. Vaccinate according to schedule (check with a vet).
2. Clean and disinfect the poultry house regularly.
3. Provide proper ventilation to avoid respiratory issues.
4. Limit visitors to reduce external infections.
5. Separate age groups to prevent disease transmission.
6. Quarantine new birds before adding them to the flock.

Always have a vet on call and keep a basic poultry first aid kit.

Step 8: Egg Collection and Storage

Once your hens start laying (around 18–20 weeks), create a system for egg collection.

Egg Handling Guidelines:

• Collect eggs twice daily: morning and afternoon.
• Use clean baskets to avoid cracking.
• Store eggs in a cool, dry room with good airflow.
• Keep eggs in trays with the pointed end facing downward.
• Clean nesting boxes regularly to avoid dirty eggs.

If you sell to supermarkets or restaurants, consider branding or packaging your eggs.

Step 9: Record Keeping and Monitoring

Keeping accurate records allows you to make data-driven decisions.

Keep Track Of:

• Daily egg production
• Feed consumption
• Mortality rates
• Vaccination and health logs
• Sales and expenses

This helps identify trends, forecast production, and manage cash flow efficiently.

Marketing and Selling Eggs in Kenya

Marketing is as important as production. You need to sell consistently at a profitable price.

Potential Markets:

• Local markets
• Hotels and restaurants
• Institutions (schools, prisons, hospitals)
• Supermarkets
• Neighbors and social media networks

Tips:

• Sell directly to consumers to enjoy higher margins.
• Join farmers’ groups to access bulk buyers.
• Offer delivery services for convenience.
• Brand your eggs for better appeal.

Tips for Success in Layers Farming

• Start small and expand as you learn.
• Don’t compromise on feed quality — it’s the biggest determinant of success.
• Learn from others — visit experienced farmers and attend training.
• Be consistent with routine — chickens thrive on regularity.
• Stay updated — follow trends, such as automation, disease resistance, and improved breeds.
• Diversify income — sell manure, old layers (after 72 weeks), and unused feed bags.

Expected Returns and Profit Estimate

Let’s assume:

• You have 200 layers.
• Each bird lays 5 eggs per week on average (1000 eggs/week).
• You sell each egg at KSh 15.

Weekly Revenue:

• 1000 eggs × KSh 15 = KSh 15,000

Monthly Revenue:

• KSh 15,000 × 4 = KSh 60,000

Monthly Costs:

• Feed = ~KSh 20,000
• Miscellaneous + labor = ~KSh 10,000

Net Profit:

• KSh 60,000 – KSh 30,000 = KSh 30,000 per month

This is just an estimate. Returns vary based on feed efficiency, egg prices, disease management, and scale.

Challenges in Layer Farming

Every business has challenges. Common issues faced by Kenyan poultry farmers include:

• High feed costs
• Disease outbreaks
• Market price fluctuations
• Theft and predator attacks
• Poor-quality chicks

Solutions:

• Grow some of your own feed ingredients (e.g. maize).
• Partner with vets for early disease detection.
• Use WhatsApp or Facebook groups for direct sales.
• Insure your poultry where possible.

Final Thoughts: Visit a Successful Poultry Farmer

Before you start, visit a successful layers farmer. Observe their setup, ask questions, and learn firsthand about:

• Their biggest challenges
• How they handle feeding
• Where they buy chicks and sell eggs
• Tips on hygiene and housing

Practical knowledge can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Conclusion

Layers farming in Kenya is a viable and profitable venture when approached with diligence and passion. From planning and budgeting to housing, feeding, and marketing, each step plays a critical role in determining your success. While challenges are inevitable, the rewards of consistent income, food security, and growth potential make it a worthy agribusiness.

Whether you’re a youth looking for a fresh start or an established farmer diversifying your income, poultry farming offers one of the most practical paths to financial stability.

Take the leap, start small, and grow steadily — and you just might become one of Kenya’s leading egg producers.