Poultry farmers want county governments to construct cold storage and modern slaughter slabs within public markets in major towns in order to formalise the poultry meat industry.
Kenya Poultry Farmers Association chairperson Muthoni Kariuki said proposals had been tabled before county agricultural committees in Kisumu, Bungoma, Kakamega, Homa Bay, Siaya and Machakos to have the poultry facilities set up.
“We are optimistic that the requested support will see poultry farming receive more attention with livestock extension officers facilitated to educate farmers on modern methods within their localities,” she said.
“No one buys chicken cut in pieces like beef or mutton and those who buy chicken in whole do it occasionally. This means that no poultry traders can slaughter chicken in advance awaiting a buyer since they lack cold storage facilities.”
Currently, a broiler chicken retails at Sh540 while indigenous chicken meat costs as much as Sh800.
Among the other proposals presented to county governments by the association include the establishment of local chicken breeders’ hub which will act as a distribution point for improved indigenous chicks, currently being sold at Sh250 each, and make breeding stocks available at a subsidised fee.
Ms Kariuki said breed cockerels were the most preferred as they were dished out to self-help group members who in turn donated chicks to their neighbours thereby helping improve locally available breeds.
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