By S, KNA
In Tindiret Sub-County, the clucking of chickens has become more than just background farm noise, it is the sound of rising incomes and changing fortunes.
Once viewed as a small-scale household activity, poultry keeping is steadily emerging as a lucrative agribusiness venture that is reshaping the livelihoods of families across the region.
Farmers in villages such as Kapchorwa, Chepsiria, and Kobujoi are reaping rewarding profits for expanding their poultry flocks. Many who once kept a few indigenous chickens for home consumption have now increased their flocks into income-generating ventures supplying eggs and meat to local markets.
One of the most successful farmers is John Kiptoo from Kapchorwa, who started with only 20 birds and now manages more than 600 layers. He explains that poultry keeping has enabled him to pay school fees for his children and build a modern house. “I didn’t imagine chickens could give me such financial stability,” he says with a smile.
In Kobujoi, farmer Grace Chepkirui has specialized in broiler production, selling mature birds to hotels in Nandi Hills and Kisumu. She points out that the fast turnover has made broiler farming an attractive option, though it requires careful attention to feeding and vaccination.
Tindiret Sub-County Livestock Officer, Mr. Joseph Sang, notes that poultry farming is performing better than many expected, with increasing demand for both eggs and white meat in the growing urban centres around Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties. He adds that many youth are venturing into the trade because it requires less land compared to dairy or crop farming.
In Chepsiria, youth groups supported by the county government have embraced poultry as a collective project. Their chairperson, David Kipruto, revealed that income from chicken sales is being reinvested in expanding the poultry houses and buying more chicks, showing a clear path to sustainability.
County extension services have played a key role in training farmers on vaccination, disease control, and feed formulation.
According Sang, the spread of Newcastle disease has reduced significantly thanks to organized vaccination drives, boosting farmer confidence.
The rise of poultry farming has also ignited small-scale agribusiness around Tindiret. Local traders are now dealing in chicken feed, chicks, and veterinary drugs, creating additional income streams in the community. Farmers say this ecosystem has made poultry rearing more accessible and profitable.
Another farmer, Samuel Cheruiyot of Tinderet Centre, highlighted that poultry farming complements maize and tea production. During lean crop seasons, egg sales provide a steady income, ensuring households do not fall into financial strain.
Women, too, have found poultry keeping to be empowering. Many, like Mary Jepkorir of Songhor area, say they manage poultry income independently, allowing them to meet daily household expenses without waiting for their husbands’ support.
Sang believes that poultry keeping could rival tea as a source of household income if farmers continue to adopt modern practices. He emphasizes that value addition, such as egg grading and packaging, will further enhance market returns for local farmers.
The county government has also hinted at plans to establish a poultry cooperative in Tindiret, which would help farmers access larger markets and negotiate better prices for their produce. Officials say this will also encourage investment in hatcheries and feed mills.
With success stories spreading fast, poultry keeping in Tindiret is no longer seen as just a side hustle. For many, it is now the backbone of financial independence and a reliable ticket to a brighter future.