Kenya farmers are reducing orders for day-old chicks as poultry production costs rise, impacting hatcheries and overall poultry farming in the industry, according to reports.
Kenya-based Kenchic Limited has seen its day-old chick sales decrease by 50%, according to a company spokesperson. Investors overall are cutting back, leading to a reduced supply of chicken and eggs in the Sh 5 billion (US$55.5 million) industry.
The price of maize went up in February, March and June, bring the production cost per chicken from Sh 180 (US$2.00) to Sh 250 (US$2.78). The Kenyan government is currently allowing the importation of cheaper maize to try to offset price increases and revitalize the industry.
