The County Government of Kitui, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, has kicked off a countywide poultry genetic improvement programme aimed at boosting productivity, household incomes, and food and nutrition security.
The initiative was officially set in motion after the Kitui County Executive for Agriculture and Livestock Dr. Stephen Mbaya Kimwele today received the first batch of improved breeding cocks at Livestock offices ahead of a planned distribution exercise targeting organized poultry farmer groups in four sub-counties, including Kitui South, Kitui East, Kitui West and Kitui Rural in the first phase
The programme is specifically targeting organized farmer groups, with a strong focus on women and youth to promote inclusive participation and economic empowerment. Farmers are also being encouraged to join Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) and cooperatives to enable them to benefit from these programmes, access financing, extension services, markets, and other benefits critical to sustainable agribusiness growth.
According to Dr. Mbaya, “Livestock remains a critical pillar of Kitui County’s socio-economic development, contributing significantly to livelihoods through income generation, employment creation, and improved nutrition. Poultry production, in particular, plays a vital role among smallholder farmers due to its low start-up costs, short production cycle, and quick returns.”
“However, indigenous poultry, which dominates the county’s poultry population continues to face productivity challenges. While well adapted to local conditions, indigenous birds are characterized by slow growth rates, poor feed conversion, late maturity, and low egg and meat yields, limiting their commercial potential.” He said.
In response, the County Government has prioritized targeted genetic improvement as a strategic intervention under its development agenda and the Financial Year 2025/2026 Performance Contract. One of the flagship commitments under this contract is the distribution of improved breeding cocks to enhance the genetic quality of local poultry stock.
Under the programme, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock plans to distribute a total of 800 improved cocks across all eight sub-counties and 40 wards. Each ward will receive 20 improved cocks, which will be issued to two organized poultry farmer groups per ward to ensure equitable access and maximize genetic impact at the grassroots.
The intervention is expected to significantly increase poultry productivity, strengthen food and nutrition security, enhance household incomes, and promote the commercialization of poultry farming across Kitui County.
The programme aligns with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, EGH’s development blueprint, The Kitui Promise, which prioritizes food security, economic empowerment, and the transformation of agriculture into a resilient and profitable sector.
The distribution exercise will continue in phases as the county scales up efforts to transform the livestock subsector into a resilient and profitable enterprise for local farmers.
Wednesday 21st, January 2026
CGokti.Comm.Dept
