PS Jonathan Mueke Distributes 6,400 Chicks to Farmers’ Groups in Kitui

The Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, Hon. Jonathan Mueke, on Saturday, 1st November 2027, led a major livestock empowerment exercise in Kabati, Kitui West, where he distributed 6,400 chicks to local farmers. The event brought together beneficiaries drawn from all eight constituencies of Kitui County, marking another milestone in the government’s effort to uplift rural livelihoods through agribusiness.

Speaking during the event, PS Mueke emphasized that the distribution was part of the government’s ongoing initiative to promote livestock commercialization and householdq income generation. A total of 64 groups, each representing a different farmers’ organization from across the constituencies, benefited from the program. He noted that poultry farming is one of the most profitable ventures for small-scale farmers when properly managed.

The PS urged the beneficiaries to treat livestock keeping as a business rather than a subsistence activity. “I want to encourage our farmers to commercialize poultry and other livestock enterprises so that they can earn more and transform their lives,” Mueke said. He highlighted that the government’s goal is to move farmers from basic survival farming to value-driven agribusiness models that create sustainable income.

Mueke further noted that the initiative aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to empower citizens at the grassroots level through agricultural development. He reiterated that livestock and poultry farming play a central role in food security, job creation, and poverty reduction, especially in arid and semi-arid regions such as Kitui.

The PS also assured farmers of continued government support through training, improved breeds, and access to markets. He said the Ministry of Livestock Development will continue working closely with county governments to strengthen livestock value chains and enhance productivity in the region.

Farmers who received the chicks expressed their gratitude, saying the program would go a long way in improving their income and nutrition. They pledged to use the support effectively and contribute to making Kitui County a leading hub for poultry production in the Lower Eastern region.

Pictorial