A Kenchic Inn outlet. [Photo/capitalfm.co.ke]
Kenya’s leading poultry company, Kenchic, has launched a new poultry centre in Mombasa to provide support to chicken farmers from the coastal region, while at the same time introducing a concept of free range farming that will generate wealth for farmers in the region in a natural, sustainable and socially appreciated way.
The Kenchic concept of free range farming features Kenbro Chicken, a red feathered bird, which serves as a broiler and layer. While announcing the new offering, Kenchic Limited, Marketing & Communications Manager, Rachel Wariko said the chicken is suitable for meat and egg production, and will guarantee the farmers a sustainable income.
“The chicken is able to free range, has a high feed conversion rate and has a tastier meat,” Ms Wariko explained.
Farmers have a choice to choose between the three types of Kenbro Chickens, which are Redbro, Tricolor and Naked Neck.
Naked Neck is the newest addition into the Kenbro range of chickens and most appropriate for coastal region.
“Naked Neck is a docile bird bred for hot climatic condition like coast and eastern Kenya. They weather cold or hot season and prefer grazing in the backyard and lay up-to 150 eggs per year,” she said.
The new poultry centre is designed as a ‘one stop shop’, offering technical advice and equipment to the farmers. In addition to breeding and supplying high quality day-old chicks to farmers in the region, the centre also provides chicken feeds and equipment, disinfectants, vaccines and vitamins.
It becomes Kenchic’s ninth centre in the country, after Kiambu, Ruai, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri and Meru.
Speaking during the opening ceremony in Mombasa, Kenchic Limited Head of Sales (DOC), Edward Mwirigi said that the firm intends to set up three more poultry centres across the country in order to provide holistic support to the poultry farming communities.
“As a company, we place the highest priority on the health of the birds we farm, and the wholesome nature of the food we provide. The establishment of the new centre in Mombasa follows consistent growth in chicken farming in the coastal region. “Mombasa has demonstrated consistent growth in the past. Thus, there is a need for these support services in the area for ease in access to the poultry products and services. We have also boosted capacity at our hatchery to meet the significant rise in demand for chicks,” explained Mr. Mwirigi.
Recently, the company invested KSh1.5 billion in establishing the largest hatchery in East and Central Africa.
The company’s, which has over 70% market share supplies chicken meat to international franchises and local fast-food outlets, restaurants, hotels, airline caterers, and supermarkets.