Nairobi’s poultry farmers struggle under market cartels as demand for reforms grows
Some roosters and hens. Courtesy photo
Poultry farmers in Nairobi are raising concerns over severe exploitation by alleged cartels controlling the City Market, urging the government to intervene and safeguard their livelihood.
Many farmers who rely on the market for income are struggling financially due to what they describe as unfair pricing practices.
Central to their frustration is a monopolistic system enforced by powerful middlemen and wholesalers, who, according to the farmers, dictate the prices at which chickens are sold.
These low prices often make it difficult for farmers to cover even their basic expenses.
Mr John Mwangi, a poultry farmer with over 10 years of experience, shared his dismay over the situation.
“Last year, I could sell a chicken for 600 shillings. Now I’m fortunate if I get 250,” he said. “Making a living has become almost impossible,” said Mr Mwangi.
Poultry farmers from nearby counties, including Kiambu and Machakos, who also depend on City Market as their primary sales outlet, report similar issues.
They struggle to remain profitable as chicken prices drop and the costs for feed, veterinary services, and other expenses continue to climb.
Ms Grace Achieng, another poultry farmer and mother of four, recounted her financial challenges. Rising feed prices forced her to sell her chickens at a loss just to pay off debts.
“I sold them for 200 shillings each to clear debts,” she said. “I worry about losing everything,” said Ms Achieng.
These hardships have prompted poultry farmers to push for government intervention.
At a recent Nairobi Poultry Farmers Association meeting, over 200 farmers gathered to express their frustrations and call for action. Association chairman Samuel Ndung’u emphasized the need for regulatory measures.
“The government must protect us,” he said. “Without intervention, these cartels will continue to undermine our livelihoods,” said Mr Ndung'u.
Farmers are calling for a transparent pricing system that reflects production costs and enforcement of laws to prevent monopolistic practices in the marketplace.
Experts suggest that strengthening cooperatives could be a long-term solution, enabling farmers to negotiate collectively and secure better prices, reducing reliance on exploitative middlemen.
Offering training on financial management and sustainable farming practices could also help farmers build more resilient businesses.
Advocacy groups are joining farmers in urging the government to develop policies that support small-scale producers, promote fair market practices, and encourage sustainable agriculture.
Although Nairobi’s poultry farmers are gaining attention, they emphasize that only concrete government action can prevent further deterioration of their livelihoods.
