Egg prices have recently eased, but the high cost of poultry feed remains a significant challenge for farmers in Kenya. Feed prices have surged due to increased import costs for essential ingredients like soy and maize, which are pivotal in poultry nutrition. This price imbalance puts pressure on poultry farmers’ profit margins, as the lower prices they receive for eggs do not offset their feed expenses. Many farmers are struggling to maintain production levels and are finding it difficult to sustain operations as feed costs continue to rise without a corresponding increase in egg prices.
The increased feed costs have led some farmers to reduce the size of their flocks, as it’s no longer economically viable to sustain larger operations under current market conditions. High feed prices are largely influenced by global factors, including supply chain disruptions and fluctuating commodity markets, impacting the availability of raw materials. This ongoing situation forces poultry farmers to adapt, either by exploring alternative feed ingredients or by considering reductions in flock numbers, both of which affect overall egg production and supply stability.
This scenario could have broader implications for the poultry industry, as consistent feed cost inflation may discourage small-scale farmers from continuing their businesses. As a result, the supply of eggs could eventually become constrained if fewer farmers are able to sustain their operations. Moreover, consumers may face fluctuations in egg availability and price spikes if the current trend persists. Industry experts suggest that support from the government, either in subsidies for feed ingredients or through programs that support local feed production, could alleviate some of these pressures.
The current dynamics in the egg and poultry sector highlight the importance of addressing feed cost issues to ensure stable and affordable egg supplies. While egg prices have eased temporarily, the persistent feed cost challenge underscores the need for long-term solutions to support the poultry industry and prevent potential shortages in the future.
