In Kenya, youth unemployment continues to push many young people to explore innovative ventures beyond their academic fields. One such inspiring example is that of a young automotive engineering student who has turned his passion for poultry farming into a flourishing agribusiness. What began as a small experiment with just a few chickens has now evolved into a fully operational enterprise supplying eggs and chicken meat to local markets.
While most of his peers were focused solely on classroom studies and engineering projects, the student decided to take a different path. Motivated by his love for animals and the growing demand for poultry products, he invested his limited savings to buy several day-old chicks. His goal was simple — to raise healthy chickens and earn some income to support his education. However, his keen interest and business mindset soon transformed this side hustle into a rapidly expanding source of livelihood.
Balancing schoolwork and farming was a challenge, but his determination kept him going. Every morning before classes, he would check on his birds, feed them, clean the pens, and ensure that water was always available. In the evenings, he focused on record-keeping, monitoring feed use, and tracking egg production. He quickly learned that poultry farming requires commitment, cleanliness, and constant observation to avoid losses caused by disease or poor feeding.
To ensure the birds’ health, he sought advice from agricultural extension officers and fellow farmers in his area. He implemented a strict vaccination schedule, invested in high-quality feed, and adopted modern poultry practices such as temperature control for brooding and proper spacing in the chicken houses. His attention to detail and focus on animal welfare greatly improved the productivity of his flock.
As his confidence grew, he expanded his operations by building more chicken houses and purchasing additional equipment. He also explored the business side of poultry farming, securing steady customers ranging from households and eateries to food vendors in the nearby town. His ability to supply quality products on time earned him loyal clients and helped him establish a strong market presence. By keeping accurate financial records, he was able to reinvest profits into improving infrastructure and increasing production capacity.
This young entrepreneur’s story highlights the growing interest among Kenyan youth in agribusiness. He believes that farming should no longer be viewed as an occupation for the elderly or uneducated. Instead, it can be a modern, profitable, and sustainable career for anyone willing to learn and put in the effort. His engineering background also gives him an advantage — he applies technical skills to design efficient brooders, automate temperature systems, and manage resources effectively.
Looking ahead, he envisions transforming his farm into a large-scale poultry brand that can create employment opportunities for other young people. He also plans to introduce value-addition initiatives such as packaged eggs and processed chicken products to meet changing consumer preferences.
His success story sends a strong message to Kenya’s youth — with innovation, discipline, and passion, even a student can build a thriving agribusiness that not only creates income but also contributes to the nation’s food security.
