Image Credit: YITEDEV
Kenya is exploring a new production and distribution model to increase the availability of improved indigenous chicken breeds after rising demand from farmers and county governments exposed significant gaps in chick supply. The initiative seeks to involve private hatcheries, farmer cooperatives and other agricultural partners in multiplying and distributing the birds while safeguarding their genetic quality.
The initiative focuses on three improved dual-purpose breeds developed by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), namely KC1, KC2 and KC3. The birds are designed to produce both meat and eggs while retaining characteristics that make them suitable for Kenyan farming conditions.
According to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), demand for improved indigenous chickens has reached approximately 120,000 day-old chicks every month, but existing production supplies only about 30,000. This leaves a monthly deficit of approximately 90,000 chicks, with farmers and county governments sometimes waiting up to three months to receive their orders.
The growing interest reflects the increasing popularity of improved indigenous chickens among smallholder farmers seeking alternative sources of household income, food security and business opportunities. County governments have also been placing bulk orders to support agricultural and livelihood programmes.
The proposed solution emerged from a workshop held in Naivasha in May 2026, organised by ILRI and KALRO, bringing together researchers, hatchery operators, county officials, poultry businesses, cooperatives and development partners.
Participants agreed that expanding chick production would require a stronger commercial distribution network rather than relying on KALRO as the main producer and supplier.
Under the proposed controlled multiplication model, KALRO would retain responsibility for the genetic foundation of the breeds, including nucleus flocks, parent stock, breeding standards and quality certification. Licensed private hatcheries and accredited multipliers would take on a larger role in producing and distributing chicks to farmers.
County governments, farmer cooperatives, agro-dealers, savings and credit cooperative organisations (SACCOs) and non-governmental organisations are also expected to support distribution, farmer mobilisation, access to inputs and market connections.
The approach is intended to increase production capacity while preventing the loss of genetic quality that could arise from uncontrolled breeding. KALRO would therefore remain the central authority responsible for maintaining the identity and performance standards of its improved chicken breeds.
Each breed offers different production advantages. KC1 is valued for its hardiness, early maturity, scavenging ability and relatively low feed requirements. KC2 is recognised for its growth performance, egg production and disease tolerance, while KC3 combines fast growth with strong egg-laying performance and has gained market acceptance, particularly in western Kenya.
Their dual-purpose characteristics make them attractive to farmers who want to generate income from both egg sales and mature birds rather than depending on a single poultry market.
However, increasing production will require investment beyond hatchery expansion. ILRI and KALRO have identified the need for stronger breeding programmes, improved biosecurity, trained personnel, reliable financing and effective monitoring systems.
The proposed model also includes developing a formal licensing and certification framework to regulate private hatcheries and other approved multipliers. A digital traceability system is envisaged to monitor chicks from breeding facilities to farmers, helping maintain quality standards and improve accountability across the supply chain.
Access to affordable finance remains another major consideration, particularly for small-scale farmers who may struggle to purchase chicks, feed and poultry housing. Group purchasing arrangements through cooperatives and SACCOs, alongside proposed credit support mechanisms, could help farmers participate in commercial poultry production.
The initiative is also expected to create opportunities for young people and women through hatchery businesses, chick distribution, poultry farming and other services linked to the expanding value chain.
Kenya’s proposed approach could transform improved indigenous chicken production by connecting scientific breeding, private-sector investment and organised farmer networks. Its success will depend on building a reliable supply chain that delivers more chicks without compromising quality, affordability and the productive characteristics that have made KC1, KC2 and KC3 popular among farmers.
