WHY CHICKEN EGG PRICES HAVE RISEN ACROSS KAKAMEGA AND IMPACT.
CAUSES, IMPACTS, AND STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS FOR POULTRY FARMERS
Author: Mr George Asira
Across many African countries, the price of chicken eggs has increased significantly compared to previous years. This rise has affected households, hotels, bakeries, restaurants, and traders who depend on eggs as a daily source of protein and business input. A tray of eggs that was once affordable is now costly in many markets, creating concern among consumers and pressure among poultry farmers.
This situation is driven by several interconnected challenges affecting poultry production systems, supply chains, and market dynamics across the continent. Understanding these causes is essential for farmers who want to remain profitable and sustainable in poultry farming.
1. HIGH COST OF POULTRY FEEDS
One of the most influential factors behind rising egg prices is the high cost of poultry feeds. Feed represents approximately 60–70% of total egg production costs, making it the most critical input in poultry farming.
The prices of maize, soybean meal, sunflower cake, fish meal, and other feed ingredients have increased due to inflation, drought, fuel price hikes, and dependence on imported raw materials in many countries. Climate variability has also reduced harvest yields in several regions, leading to scarcity of key feed ingredients.
As a result:
▫️ Farmers spend more money to maintain laying hens
▫️ Production costs increase significantly
▫️ Farmers raise egg prices to remain profitable
▫️ Some small-scale farmers reduce flock sizes due to losses
2. DISEASE OUTBREAKS AND POULTRY HEALTH CHALLENGES
Poultry diseases remain a major threat to egg production in Africa. Outbreaks such as Newcastle disease, coccidiosis, fowl typhoid, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) have caused severe losses in many farms.
When outbreaks occur:
▫️ Large numbers of birds die or are culled
▫️ Egg production drops immediately
▫️ Replacement of layers takes time (16–20 weeks or more)
▫️ Supply in the market reduces while demand remains high
Poor vaccination practices, weak farm hygiene, and lack of veterinary access worsen the situation, making disease control a major challenge for many farmers.
3. HIGH TRANSPORTATION AND FUEL COSTS
Fuel price increases across Africa have significantly affected agricultural logistics. Poultry farming depends on transportation for feeds, chicks, vaccines, eggs, and equipment.
As transport costs rise:
▫️ Feed delivery becomes more expensive
▫️ Egg distribution costs increase
▫️ Farmers in rural areas are most affected
▫️ Middlemen increase prices to cover transport expenses
Ultimately, these additional costs are passed on to consumers through higher egg prices.
4. CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS
Climate change has introduced unpredictable weather patterns that negatively affect poultry productivity. Extreme heat, cold spells, and irregular rainfall have become more common in many regions.
Impacts on poultry include:
▫️ Heat stress reduces feed intake and egg production
▫️ Cold stress increases energy demand for survival
▫️ Water scarcity reduces flock performance
▫️ Poor maize and soybean harvests increase feed prices
These environmental challenges directly reduce efficiency in egg production systems.
5. HIGH COST OF DAY-OLD CHICKS, VACCINES, AND MEDICATIONS
The cost of starting and maintaining a poultry flock has increased due to rising prices of quality day-old chicks, veterinary drugs, and vaccines.
Farmers now face:
▫️ Higher initial investment costs for layer production
▫️ Increased expenses for disease prevention
▫️ Frequent vaccination requirements to maintain flock health
▫️ Rising costs of supplements and disinfectants
Without proper disease prevention, farmers risk heavy losses that reduce overall egg supply in the market.
6. INCREASING DEMAND FOR EGGS
Egg consumption in Africa continues to grow rapidly due to population increase, urbanization, and expansion of food businesses.
Demand is driven by:
▫️ Households relying on eggs as affordable protein
▫️ Hotels and restaurants increasing egg usage
▫️ Bakeries using eggs for production
▫️ Schools and institutions providing meals
However, production growth has not matched demand, creating supply shortages that push prices upward.
STRATEGIC ACTIONS FARMERS MUST TAKE TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES
Despite rising costs, poultry farming remains highly profitable when managed professionally. Farmers must adopt modern and efficient production systems to remain competitive.
1. PRODUCE QUALITY FEEDS ON THE FARM
Farmers should reduce dependence on expensive commercial feeds by producing or formulating their own rations using locally available ingredients.
Effective strategies include:
▫️ Growing maize, sorghum, sunflower, and legumes
▫️ Using alternative protein sources such as insects or plant-based proteins
▫️ Buying feed ingredients in bulk to reduce costs
▫️ Reducing feed wastage through proper feeding systems
▫️ Working in cooperatives to access cheaper inputs
Feed self-sufficiency is key to long-term profitability.
2. STRENGTHEN FARM BIOSECURITY
Strong biosecurity is essential for preventing disease outbreaks that can destroy entire flocks.
Farmers should:
▫️ Restrict farm access to visitors
▫️ Disinfect poultry houses regularly
▫️ Vaccinate birds according to schedule
▫️ Isolate sick birds immediately
▫️ Control rodents and wild birds
▫️ Maintain strict hygiene in all production areas
Prevention is always cheaper and more effective than treatment.
3. USE HIGH-PRODUCTIVITY LAYER BREEDS
Improved genetic breeds offer better egg production efficiency and feed conversion.
Benefits include:
▫️ Higher egg output per hen
▫️ Better resistance to diseases
▫️ Faster return on investment
▫️ Reduced production costs per egg
Farmers should source chicks from reputable hatcheries.
4. ADOPT CLIMATE-SMART POULTRY SYSTEMS
To reduce climate-related losses, farmers should improve housing and environmental management.
Recommended practices:
▫️ Ensure proper ventilation in poultry houses
▫️ Provide constant clean drinking water
▫️ Use heat-resistant roofing materials
▫️ Plant shade trees around poultry houses
▫️ Avoid overcrowding birds
These measures help maintain stable egg production.
5. KEEP ACCURATE FARM RECORDS
Record keeping is essential for decision-making and financial control.
Farmers should track:
▫️ Daily egg production
▫️ Feed consumption
▫️ Mortality rates
▫️ Vaccination schedules
▫️ Expenses and sales
▫️ Medication usage
Good records help farmers identify inefficiencies and improve profitability.
6. VALUE ADDITION AND IMPROVED MARKETING
Farmers can increase income by improving how they sell their eggs.
Strategies include:
▫️ Selling directly to consumers
▫️ Supplying supermarkets, hotels, and schools
▫️ Proper egg grading and packaging
▫️ Branding farm products professionally
▫️ Using social media platforms for marketing
Eliminating excessive middlemen increases farmer profits.
7. FORM FARMER GROUPS AND COOPERATIVES
Cooperation among farmers improves efficiency and reduces costs.
Benefits of cooperatives:
▫️ Bulk purchase of feed and vaccines
▫️ Shared transport costs
▫️ Access to credit and financing
▫️ Better market bargaining power
▫️ Easier access to training and support programs
Collective action strengthens resilience in the poultry sector.
CONCLUSION
The rising cost of eggs across Africa is driven by high feed prices, disease outbreaks, climate change, transportation costs, production input inflation, and increasing demand. However, these challenges are manageable through improved farming practices, strong biosecurity, better nutrition strategies, climate-smart systems, and farmer cooperation.
Poultry farming remains one of the most profitable agribusiness opportunities in Africa for farmers who adopt modern and efficient production systems.
The future of the poultry industry depends on innovation, resilience, and professional farm management.
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