From Crisis to Industry Leader: The Kiambu Group's Remarkable Evolution

The Kiambu Poultry Farmers Cooperative stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and vision of Kenyan farmers. What began as a desperate response to a market crisis has blossomed into a multi-million shilling feed operation, with ambitious plans for a slaughterhouse and egg bakery. This article details the cooperative’s incredible journey, offering valuable lessons for poultry farmers, feed makers, and the wider agricultural community.

The Genesis: A Response to Market Failure

In 2016, Kiambu poultry farmers faced an acute crisis. The market was flooded with cheap imported poultry products, drastically undercutting local producers and threatening their livelihoods. Feed costs were also soaring, squeezing profit margins even further. Recognizing the urgent need for collective action, a group of farmers came together to form the Kiambu Poultry Farmers Cooperative.

Initially, the cooperative focused on direct marketing, attempting to bypass exploitative middlemen. However, this proved insufficient to address the fundamental issues of market instability and high feed costs. A pivotal decision was made: to take control of the feed supply chain.

Taking Control: Investing in a Feed Operation

The cooperative embarked on an ambitious project to establish its own feed manufacturing plant. This required significant capital investment, which was secured through a combination of member contributions, loans, and grants.