Background Information
Kibwezi Hortipreneurs Youth Group (KHYG) is one among many agribusiness incubation programs that were launched by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), based upon its novel agriprenuer model. The group was founded in March 2015 and currently consists of 10 members aged between 23-30 years.
These members are all graduates with diverse educational backgrounds from some of the premier Universities in the region. The major activity of the group is farming, specifically irrigated vegetable and fish farming in semi-arid eastern Kenya.
The farm is located at the University of Nairobi dry land research station off the Nairobi-Mombasa commercial corridor, approximately 220 km from Kenya’s commercial capital.
Project Details
The proposed project aims at rearing chicken on a commercial scale. The new improved breed Kienyeji chickens that the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has introduced offers an endless promise of viability. This project will help meet the demand of the clientele and built strong customer relationships as well as contribute to the economy of the country.
Kibwezi is one of the driest parts in the country, so cases of malnutrition, poverty and all other desperate conditions that characterize dry land areas are common.
The project will first of all bridge the gap that has been left by other poultry farmers within Kibwezi District. The latter may lack access or information on the new breed. Furthermore, the project will also provide quality products to customers and maintain constant supply.
The importance of this step is replicating of the idea to the larger community, as chicken farming does not require a high startup cost.
The KALRO breed has some rare characteristics that will be favourable to the project area where the farm is located. The breed develops faster, has high productivity and it is resistant to diseases. The breed achieves 1.5 kg in about 5 months when the rest of the indigenous breeds take up to 8 months.
Most importantly, the breed has the ability to withstand harsh conditions. Its feathering system enables it to adjust faster so it can survive in both arid and semi-arid regions. This breed will help reduce a lot of risks in poultry farming. This fact in itself is motivating.
This is how the project will work:
- Buy two-week-old chicks from the nearby KALRO Center based in Kiboko, at Kshs100 each.
- Keep them until the age where they are able to lay eggs, i.e. 3 months.
- Keep eggs in the incubation machine to be hatched as chicks and increase the production.
- Become the supplier of the breed to the farmers who want to practice poultry raising at USD $1.20 per chick.
- Sell egg trays at USD $15 each in case one wants to purchase fertilized eggs.
- Sell chickens at the market after a period of 1 year when they have attained the required market size, i.e. 2-3.5 kg, to make room for the younger chicks.
A fully grown Kienyeji cockerel will go for USD $8 while a hen will cost USD $6.
At KHYG we commit ourselves to carrying out more consultations on poultry farming and more so on the new breed to ensure smooth operations and proper marketing strategies.
With the assistance of IITA in partnership with the University of Nairobi, KHYG has a place and space where it can put up structures for raising chicken and any other incidental structures. In addition to that the group has been able to participate in outreach programs for farmers keeping chickens.
Proposed Budget for One Year
800 chicks at USD $1 each and incubator machine that accommodates 264 eggs at USD $700, equivalent to USD $1500 total
Materials for construction of structures and cages (iron sheets, bricks, cables, cement, sawdust, nails, timber, electricity) USD $1500
Trays for keeping eggs before they are taken for incubation and transport USD $200
Feed (chick, growers and layers mash) and vaccination from day 1 USD $1700
Contingencies USD $100
Workplan
1st month: collecting materials and putting up the necessary structures.
2nd month: introducing the first lot of chicks to the structures, feeding with chick mash and starting up vaccination programs.
3rd and 4th months feeding and continue with the vaccination if needed.
5th month setting up incubation system.
6th and 7th month colleting eggs for incubation.
8th month disposing of wood shaving and replacing them with fresh ones.
9th month hatching own chicks.
10th month introducing new chicks to the structures and vaccination.
11th and 12th months selling the first lot at the market.
Blogpost and picture submitted by Jessica Mwende (Kenya) – iitakibwezihortipreneurs[at]gmail.com
The content, structure and grammar is at the discretion of the author only.
This post is published as proposal #343 of “YAP” – our “Youth Agripreneur Project”.
The first selection of the winners will be based on the number of comments, likes and views each proposal gets.
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“YAP” is part of the #GCARD3 process, the third Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development.
The GFAiR Blog 
This is awesome. I like the idea. I believe you can do this, just go for it.
thank you tabbs
As one of the youth this is a great initiative
timothy thanks.let’s make it work.
Great idea here; Poultry farming is quite profitable in the sense that it gives good returns for the amount invested, the time and
energy spent on it and the labor
employed in it.
Great 😊
john thanks
Feed the world
i see this idea,,working, ,,,yap a kind of improving our lives as youths
And so do I kelvin.thanks for believing in it.
smart minds for the economy
Nicholas thank you
wonderful project as a step to improve on food security n aleviating hunger in kenya
yes you are right Mc Enroe.thanks
great minds kudos fellow youths
Nzomo thanks
I’m really impressed by your idea, @Jessica n team. It may need some bit of editing. However, I believe your actualization of this dream is not far from reality. Hongera, MJ.
Thank you Oscar for your support.
Whats not in doubt is the fact that this initiative will help in reducing the rampant youth unemployment. It is certainly a great project and you can also look at tapping into external markets as well. All the best.
Great future ahead
Thank you Mwas for your support.
superb..greatness is possible for everyone so greatness is possible for you..kip up the good work
zaverio thanks alot.
This is a brilliant idea, i like it.
Thanks Beatrice
great idea …i c mayutz wake up with more projects
oh yes Kevin.let us share our ideas.thanks
Great n bright future ahead…. Go.. go…go…go
Thiongo thanks for your encouragement.
Brilliant idea here,
Go,Go,Go
thank you Bernard
Good work, go for it with that spirit and you will make it
Arthur thanks alot.
very good idea and project. congratulations..
Kamau thanks alot.
This is a good idea.Make it a reality.
gud idea.i like it.cnt wait to join if allowed
A great idea am have interest in the same.I believe you can do it..Chicken farming is very rewarding…go for it.
José muindi thank you.
Impressive…Go for it!!!
This is good stuff,all the best Jessy
Happy for Jessy,all the best
Njenga thank you.
oh yes Justus.Poultry farming never dissapoints.thanks
Akinyele together we can do it.Thanks
A noble idea. Keep up the teamwork spirit
Good work there Jessica lets all go kookoo about kuku
Thank you Magothe.Together we can do it.
me too I have no doubt about it Bob.thank you.
nice project by brilliant youths.i think i hav to pay u a vissit in kibwezi n learn more from u.ur an encourgment guys
i lov such by brilliant youths.you are the cream of our society go for it n feed the country
Thanks Mwende
Great adeals kudos
Great
Kudos
great minds indeed.you have identifid n want to adress a nich.unemploymnt among graduates,hunger is well addressd.
waoh!impressive ideas i admire yo wrk n belive it will be a succes
great project will be glad to partner with you n provide mrkt fr yo hen/broilers
“A long journey starts with the first step”. In this case, I say you have made a great stride, keep up the pace. May success be yours.
This intervention insires me n chalenges me positivly too.kudos KHYG guys
Brilliant innovation all da best @Jesca
Great idea Jessica. This is a lucrative venture and can do well in Kibwezi area.
Linda thanks.Such an encouraging comment there.
Brilliant idea namesake..go go go for it.
I have always been interested in chicken.All the best.
Good work.Feed the world.
Go go go for it.Brilliant idea
This is awesome.All the best
Good work.
Jessica explore the missing link between end products that is chicken and eggs and poverty reduction strategy in lower eastern region. How will it improve their livelihoods?
Titus thanks for your support.
If successfull kindly replicate it in Mwingi cental region.
I come from that region and poverty level is too high.Its a good initiative go for it.
I like your thinking.
Great idea Jessica we need such ideas in Kwale County.Youth unployment levels here are high.
what a wonderful idea you got here Jessica.Go for it.
A good initiative that holds hope to our unemployed youth.
Jessica I have always known you can do it.Go for it.
Mwende at your age, the sky should be the limit. Meanwhile think of alternate source of power.
It may not be easy but soldier on. Ensure you have the requisite professional support.
Excellent idea.
kuku is our delicacy Jessica. Supporting the idea.
This is awesome Mwende.
great step to solve uneplyment n hunger in kenya by brilliant youths.wish u all success.kudos
Briliant.Go for it guys your doing good jessica n yo team. you are an encouragment to other youths.
Good work.
wondrful initiative and a promising venture go for it.
Great initiative there Jessica.
Fantastic Jessica
kenya needs youths like you who thinks of creating job opportunities as away to solve unemplymnt n hunger issues.
“Kelitu kaitu” you hold the answer to malnutritution
Great idea guys i live near kibwezi ill pay you a visit and learn more about this.
It will help supplement between fish and legumes in Luo land.
Your dreams are valid Jessica.
God will bless the work of your hands Mwende.
With God all things are possible. Put God first.
splendid idea
Jessica this is good.
This is indeed a great idea. It’s sounds to be the long waited solution to unemployment especially vo youths. If well supported, managed well and exposed it can rescue masses.
good idea
i need to work with inovative, creative diligent youths like you to lift up high our society
great brains for real.
Great job … Go for it.
Would love seen this happen
Wow.. This can be done
Will be glad to learn from you
Brilliant idea.. Jessy
Enjoyed reading the article.. Good one
Make it happen Jessica
Can see, feeding us is ur vision.
This is nice project..
You can make it Mwende
great work.I love bird keeping too.
Congrats Jessica
Well done..wish you all the best
marvellous.this shows good team work and i believe its going to work out well
wondrful proposal on a great project guys work on it n see yo dream come true
Great step.hold on the project till you bear fruits.
great minds at work in deed.if all youths in kenya could follow your steps,Kenya eill be counted among the developd nations.keep up the spirit.
You guys challenge my thinking.am a graguate seeking employment yet you have already got yo employment.do you accept new partners in your group?
Thanks Anita.Though acceptance is subject to approval
Amazing project.. Team poultry
yea!i like this team for real i wish to pay you a visit n see this great thinkers.
Great job wish you success in this endevour
I like this.am inspired to do poulty.Do you have extention programs on how to keep poulty well to intrested parties or individuals?
Dilligent minds indeed out to creat employment n fight hunger in our society.i salute u guys.
wonderful work Jessica and your team.you are the winning team.
I can see, time for change Mwende
This will change many llifestyles…
Come do this in my farm….
U better go do it
Word of applause for you Jessica…
Love keeping chicken n like seeing your interest
Wow! Comrade.. Good work.
You must appear in the next Frontier
Read the article and will look forward to visit your farm once you set this up.
With God all things are possible..
Come on now, join us team wakulima
This is what we need in Kenya. Kudos.
Nurturing future agriprenuers.
Thanks for informing me of this breed… Will try it.
Jessica this is wow!
Jessica you have a great mind… You can do this.
Happy to see that youths don’t depend on white collar jobs anymore. Happy for you mwende.
Happy to see that youths don’t depend on white collar jobs anymore. Happy for you mwende.
Shamba shape up pap… U r there
Thanks guys I appreciate your support. Keep those comments coming we are in this together.
Thumbs up Mwende and your team.
This is a project that will help in achieving Vision 2330
vipi Jessy! I believe you have all what it takes.Don’t tire.
Mugo thanks for believing in me.
I’m encouraged to see u fighting the underemloyment in our Nation..
Naomi Wangari thanks alot.
I didn’t know Kenya has such great minds. Kudos Jessy
I’m within your County n just to ask, do u offer training to other youth groups?
Yes we do Mercy.Thanks alot.
You are going far lady..
Please include supplying chicks to the members of local community. This will help much.
Thanks Lazarus.Point taken
This is it, by practicing this, a big number will be living above poverty level..
This will help replicate the idea to the farmers and most importantly link them to the ready market.
This will help reduce poverty levels in the area.
This will help reduce poverty levels in the area.
Chicken farming never disappoints Jessica n team.Go for it.
You have such a brilliant idea there sister.Wat are you waiting for..go for it.
I love your creative thinking.
Go for it mwesh.
Jessica n the team there is high returns in chicken farming.pesa pap.
Great idea..keep it up.
Jessy you’ve got a great mind.I must say am happy for you.
Good work Mwende.I love your thinking
Hello there,,youths in action and am impressed.
Great !great! great! that’s all I can say.
You guys are doing great.This is quiet an achievement lady.
From that article, I can say you are the Agripreneursof of the universe.
Can read you are to do more practical consultation n will be glad to offer it.. Welcome to my farm.
This is a business with much returns if well managed.. Wish you incredible success.
I’m doing this at makueni n I don’t meet the demand .. Can Link up with you and other poultry keepers to form a Sacco for large supplies..
There Is a good reward for u guys…
Receive my high ten… Productive article
Fight hunger and malnutrition… Good one.
This is serious business…. Fine farming
Really educative exemplary article Jessica.
Brilliant project..
All the best as you boost our economy.
Glad to see that u know, shika kuku shika millioni.
You are becoming a job creator not a job seeker n that’s good of you.
Magnificent Jessy.
Highly inteligent n brainy project
Distinctive idea n article.
I believe this is possible in Gods name.
Exceptional, splendid idea for the youth…
I believe this is possible in Gods name.
This is where the road to your success starts.
Please you need to extend this to North Eastern Kenya Jessy.
Akademia
Fantastic gal.You have inspired me alot.
Young people need to see this.Think big
Me like this.When do we start?
I like that Jessica.
This is a plus.Please do it.
Jessica didn’t know u r that thoughtful
This venture you chose is one of a kind..
Sure.. This is a new change ready to make history.
Reliable idea n project.
Boost our economy girl… Keep it up.
So ukambani is that productive?.. Good one
This project is very signoficant in that ukambani community were rain is not sufficient..
I have no doubt you can do it.Have gone through the article and its awesome.
Jessica I knew you would extend your passion this far. congratulations.
Bravo Jessy.Keep up am not surprised.
mwende you have all what it takes.we are behind you.
Can see innovative ideas are cooking in that head of yours.
Like every bit of this…
Hey Jessy gal…Have never doubted your abilities. Well researched article there.
Need to book an appointment with this group.. Seems to be going far.
There Is no doubt that u r such a smart lady..
May God see you through this Jessica
Nice progress…
Key to reducing poverty. Go for it.
There lies a great Opportunity for u..
Atleast this is a better source of protein after the news that red meat causes cancer.
The project area seems to be ideal for poultry keeping ,however how do you intend to keep vipers and other venomous snakes from sneaking into the cages?
I want this breed that is disease resistant.. Is it only found at KARI.
May God hold this project, as you offer jobs to many.
Hongera mrembo. sina shaka ndoto zako zitatimia.
We could partner with my entity to supply you with feeds.
A meeting point of great ideas.
Need to liase with you on how you will do your crossbreeding with this breed..
Honestly, you are a bright girl…
You are doing what needs to be done, to be self employed..
Palipo na nia pana njia.
I’ve bred that breed at my farm.. It has no disappointments… U can be sure Jessica of charging your life style.
This is a brilliant idea that can also be implemented here in South Sudan where demobilized soldiers can benefit.
Walk with all confidence because this gonna succeed.
Jessica am actually working with young persons on various IGA platforms. I can’t wait to see the success of this brilliant project.
I’m a veteronary officer at Makueni County, will be glad working with you to better our society.
I’m happy for you Mwende…
There Is wonder working wealth in rearing birds Jessica.
Jessica am actually working with young persons on various IGA platforms. I can’t wait to see the success of this brilliant project.
Do it, will be there to doing the eggs value addition.. Already you have me as a customer.
I’m really impressed seeing the youths like you make the best of these upcoming Opportunities…
Jessica you are ambitious as usual… This is great.
You have become a convincing writer…. Wish I could be an investor!!!would work with you..
Can only say, marvelous!!
With the harsh conditions at that place, this will definitely be a solution if the community embraces the practice.
Superb strategy to curb underemloyment Jessica…
Poultry keeping is and will propel transformimg the face of agriculture
Congratulations Jessica as you play a role on social economic development of our Nation.
Wonderful. The future looks more bright from that angle
Wow what a brilliant dear and project!