Kakamega County has started expanding the Butere Hatchery to increase its production to more than 60,000 day-old chicks per cycle, targeting improved food security, jobs and farmers’ incomes.The hatchery is currently producing 12,000 day-old chicks per cycle.
The project, which is being implemented through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, was launched on Tuesday during the inaugural Project Management Committee meeting at the hatchery in Butere Sub-county.
Chief Officer for Public Works Pascal Were said the expansion would be implemented in strict compliance with the approved Bill of Quantities and technical specifications to ensure quality work, value for money and timely completion.
He said the upgraded hatchery would support Governor Fernandes Barasa’s wealth creation agenda by promoting poultry farming as a viable commercial enterprise for households across the county.
Chief Officer for Agriculture Emmanuel Kariuki said the expanded facility would increase the production of quality day-old chicks that will be sold to farmers at affordable prices.
“The plan will help boost poultry production and strengthen food security,” he said.
He said the project would also enhance household incomes and reduce farmers’ reliance on chick suppliers from outside the county.
The expansion works include construction of a 350-metre perimeter wall, a modern poultry production unit, solarisation of the hatchery, installation of a reliable water supply system for both the hatchery and the neighbouring community, and additional solar panels to strengthen the existing power system.
He said the county government expects to complete the project within six months as part of efforts to promote climate-smart agriculture and strengthen the poultry value chain under the FLLoCA Programme.
County Structural Engineer Jared Salano was among officials who attended the Project Management Committee meeting.
by John Ochanda
