Dala Feeds, a product of the Kenya Poultry Farmers (KFP), has evolved from a small backyard poultry venture into a prominent producer of poultry feed in Kisumu County. Founded by Hezron Opiyo, KFP was established in 2015 with the aim of supporting poultry farmers through affordable, high-quality feed and technical expertise.
Opiyo’s journey in poultry farming began in 2010 after he completed secondary school but could not afford further education. He worked for his cousin on a poultry farm for a year, without pay but earning bonuses based on sales. Eventually, he saved enough money to start his own small farm with 50 chickens behind his mother’s house. His initial goal was to raise funds for his college education. His flock quickly grew to 100 chickens, and he registered for a business management diploma, which he completed in 2012.
As his business expanded, Opiyo collaborated with local farmers and restaurants to meet the increasing demand. He later pursued a degree in project planning and management at the University of Nairobi. After graduation, Opiyo faced a choice between employment and growing his poultry business. He chose to focus on expanding his farm and officially registered Kenya Poultry Farmers Limited.
KPF has supported small, medium, and large-scale farmers in Western Kenya by supplying farm inputs, chicks, feed, and offering training. However, local farmers face challenges, including fluctuating egg prices and competition from cheaper imports, particularly from Uganda. Despite rising feed costs, KPF works to keep feed prices competitive, ensuring that poultry businesses remain profitable.
Two years ago, KPF acquired feed production machines through a partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Afriscope. This collaboration helped with import duties, machine setup, and warehouse leasing, enabling Dala Feeds to produce locally sourced feed at a 20-30% lower cost than competitors.
Looking ahead, KPF plans to contract local farmers to grow soya and sunflower for feed production, ensuring ingredient availability and maintaining affordable prices. GIZ’s Beverly Shitandi emphasized the importance of the private sector in promoting youth employment and supporting the development of MSMEs. She highlighted the role of businesses like Dala Feeds in driving employment and developing skills within the agri-food sector.
Through mentorship programs and initiatives like the SME loop, GIZ continues to support young startups and growth-stage enterprises like KPF, recognizing their pivotal role in job creation and economic development.