These birds are mostly reared in villages.

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Samuel Thuku, 28, against all odds rears and hawks them in Thika town at Gatitu area. You will meet him every day at the fridges of Garissa road doing what he loves best, selling and buying domestic birds.

His collection includes bantam hens, pigeons, guinea fowls, geese and turkeys which makes the area marvellous.

I met him on a Saturday afternoon for an interview.

"After a lot of travels as a tout,  I learnt this art in Uganda. In May, some Indian officials had to make a U-turn so that they can take photos with me. Passerbys also recommend me," Thuku narrates.

These birds make Garissa road even more beautiful.

"Turkeys act as landmarks in some homes, others act like security apparatus since they alert when a visitor is around. Some Kenyans even buy them because they have spotted a unique trade in the streets," he explains what he has learnt about Kenyans in his 6-year hustle.

A two months chick costs Sh2,000, 3 and a half one costs Sh3,500 and a fully matured one costs Sh5,000 for turkey and goose.

On why turkeys are unique Thuku says; "they brood 50 eggs in 28 days and hatch each and every chick," Their big bodies and broad feathers are an added advantage.

A mature turkey weighs 15 kgs and a goose 8kg. 1kg of meat is Sh800. 

Theft, now almost being a national disaster is his worst nightmare. Dust is also his headache since he operates in an open place and when the wind comes blowing, howling like an angry woman it temporarily blinds him. 

On hotter days, the heat fills the area like stagnant water but is protected from further baking by trees nearby which form looming shadows.

In 5 years time, he plans to have 5 hectares of land and rear different types of birds. He also plans to create job opportunities for the youths.

With his eyes narrowed against the sun, he had this to say for the youths facing the black dog of unemployment; "Love your work and respect your hustle." 

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