Poultry farmers in Machakos County, Kenya, are up in arms after the introduction of a new fee requiring them to pay KSh 20 for every chicken transported out of the county. This fee, introduced under the Machakos County Finance Act, has sparked protests and anxiety among farmers, who argue that it could cripple the poultry sector not only in Machakos but also in other parts of Kenya that depend on this county as a key supplier.
In Kenya, poultry farming is one of the most accessible agricultural ventures, supporting thousands of families, especially women, youth, and small-scale farmers. Machakos County is known for supplying chicken to markets in Nairobi, Kajiado, Kitui, Makueni, and other urban centres. Farmers argue that the new fee comes at a time when they are already battling soaring feed prices, high taxation on farm inputs, expensive veterinary medicine, and reduced market prices due to cheap chicken imports.
For a farmer transporting 200 chickens to Nairobi, the fee translates to KSh 4,000 in additional costs. Many Kenyan farmers say that such expenses will force them to increase prices for consumers, which may reduce demand. Others fear they might have to shut down their businesses entirely if the county does not reverse the decision.
Livelihoods are at risk. In many rural parts of Kenya, especially in Machakos, poultry farming is a lifeline that pays for school fees, healthcare, rent, and food. Farmers feel that instead of supporting them, the county government is placing unnecessary financial obstacles in their path. They say the burden is too heavy for small-scale chicken keepers who often earn very little profit after buying feeds, vaccines, and paying for transport.
However, officials from the Machakos County Government argue that the fee is not meant to punish farmers. According to them, the levy is intended to strengthen disease control, regulate the movement of poultry, and fund veterinary services. They state that diseases like Newcastle and avian influenza can spread quickly when poultry movements are not regulated, and that this fee will help the county improve inspection, animal health services, and traceability.
Despite this explanation, farmers insist that they were not consulted before the law was enforced. They say that if the goal is disease prevention, then the government should provide free vaccinations, subsidised feeds, and proper training for farmers rather than imposing charges. Many believe that this fee is more about revenue collection than animal health.
The Kenya Poultry Breeders Association and other farmer groups have called upon Governor Wavinya Ndeti to suspend the fee and invite farmers for open dialogue. Some farmers have even threatened peaceful protests, while others warn they may stop transporting their chickens entirely if the policy stays in place.
Experts warn that if the issue is not resolved, the effects will be felt across Kenya. Markets in Nairobi, Thika, Athi River, and Kitengela heavily rely on poultry from Machakos. A decline in supply could lead to higher prices, reduced food availability, and job losses across the poultry value chain—affecting transporters, feed suppliers, hatcheries, vendors, and local hotels that depend on chicken products.
Farmers are urging both county and national governments of Kenya to create policies that promote agriculture rather than discourage it. They believe that fair taxation, supportive laws, and proper consultation are key to sustaining Kenya’s poultry industry.
