Poultry farmers in Nairobi are raising alarm over what they describe as severe exploitation by powerful cartels controlling the City Market. These farmers are calling for urgent government intervention to address the monopolistic practices that are crippling their livelihoods. Many farmers, particularly those from Kiambu and Machakos, have reported a dramatic decline in their financial stability due to artificially low prices imposed by influential middlemen and wholesalers. This pricing system has forced them to sell their chickens at rates that barely cover their essential costs. John Mwangi, a seasoned farmer with over ten years in the industry, exemplifies this struggle: “Last year, I sold a chicken for 600 shillings. Now I’m lucky if I get 250. It’s impossible to make a living like this.” His sentiment reflects a growing frustration among local farmers who are increasingly squeezed by the market dynamics dictated by these cartels.
The issue has reached a tipping point, with farmers struggling to keep up with escalating feed, veterinary care, and farm maintenance expenditures. Grace Achieng, a mother of four who relies on her chicken business, described her harrowing experience: “I sold them for 200 shillings each to pay off debts. I am worried I will lose everything.” This comment highlights the harsh reality for many in the chicken sector, where selling at a loss has become a routine and sad necessity. Farmers claim that the cartels are creating an atmosphere in which they have little bargaining leverage, rather than simply manipulating pricing. The lack of competition and oversight has led to a scenario where the true costs of production are not reflected in the market prices.
In response to their situation, nearly 200 farmers gathered recently at a conference organized by the Nairobi Poultry Farmers Association to express their unhappiness and call for government intervention. The association’s leader, Samuel Ndung’u, underlined the need for regulatory measures to safeguard farmers from continuous exploitation. “Without legislation, these cartels would continue to devastate our livelihoods. “We cannot compete with their manipulations,” he stated. Farmers are asking for a transparent pricing mechanism that is in line with actual production costs, as well as urging authorities to implement laws that prohibit monopolistic behavior and promote fair trade.
While there is growing awareness of the challenges facing poultry farmers in Nairobi, the call for concrete action is louder than ever. Experts recommend that strengthening cooperatives could empower farmers to negotiate better prices collectively and reduce their reliance on unscrupulous middlemen. Additionally, increasing access to financial management resources and sustainable farming education can foster more resilient business practices. Such measures could help farmers navigate the financial strains they face and build more sustainable livelihoods in the long run.
Advocacy groups are also calling for government regulations that help small-scale farmers, promote fair market procedures, and encourage sustainable farming methods. They emphasize that these farmers’ survival is essential not only for their families, but also for Kenya’s overall agricultural sector. These difficulties must be resolved in order to restore market balance and allow poultry farmers to thrive without being exploited. As the situation develops, the farmers’ united voice, along with meaningful policy improvements, may eventually pave the way for a fairer and more equitable poultry business in Nairobi.
