Siaya: The Siaya county government has taken a significant step to enhance poultry production in East Ugenya ward by distributing chicks worth Sh4 million to local farmers.
According to Kenya News Agency, the distribution event was presided over by Sylvestre K'okoth, the County Executive Committee member for agriculture, food security, livestock, and blue economy. K'okoth announced that 400 farmer groups in the area received a total of 10,000 improved kienyeji chicks as part of the ward development project.
K'okoth, accompanied by the chief officer for agriculture, Elizabeth Adongo, stated that before the distribution, group members participated in a two-day intensive training on poultry management. This initiative is part of the county government's broader strategy to improve the livelihoods of its residents.
The CECM emphasized that his department will provide intensive extension services and farmer advisory support to ensure the successful maturation of the donated chicks. "The chicks are worth Sh4 million. By December this year, if all of them survive, they will be sold at Sh10 million," K'okoth noted.
Elizabeth Adongo highlighted that Siaya county currently has a chicken population of 1.2 million birds. She pointed out that the relatively low population is due to poor animal management practices and diseases. However, the department is committed to reversing this trend by offering extension services to farmers.
Fredrick Omoro, East Ugenya's member of the county assembly, commended the county government for the initiative, which he believes will empower grassroots citizens. Omoro encouraged the agriculture department to educate farmers on feed formulation using locally available materials to reduce feeding costs. He expressed his vision for East Ugenya ward to become a brooding hub supplying improved chicks to the rest of the county.