Kenyan poultry farmers are facing a major challenge as cheap chicken imports from Uganda flood the market, threatening local producers. Farmers are urging the government to intervene to protect their livelihoods.
Impact on Local Farmers
In August 2022, Uganda’s HNH Rainbow sold 72,000 kg of chicken in Kenya at Sh345 ($1.9) per kg—far below Kenya’s market price of Sh450. The Kenya Poultry Breeders Association (KPBA) condemned this as predatory trade, arguing it undercuts local farmers and endangers food security. If unchecked, this could put 1,000 jobs at risk in poultry hubs like Thika, Wangige, and Kitengela.
High Costs and Unfair Competition
Kenyan farmers struggle with high production costs, worsened by a 16% VAT on feed supplements. Without anti-dumping measures, over 4,000 poultry farms have shut down since 2022, as companies opt for cheaper imports. Meanwhile, Uganda imposes a 25% tax on Kenyan chicken exports, while Ugandan poultry enters Kenya duty-free, creating an unfair trade imbalance.
Egg Market Also Affected
The influx of cheap eggs from Uganda, South Africa, and China has also hurt local farmers. In Kiambu County, farmers sell eggs at Sh8 each—below the Sh9 production cost. The Kiambu Poultry Farmers’ Cooperative warns this could collapse the industry without government action.
Call for Policy Changes
Farmers demand anti-dumping duties and a temporary ban on imports until local producers are stabilized. They also urge tax relief on production inputs and fair trade regulations within the East African Community. Without intervention, thousands of jobs remain at risk, and Kenya’s poultry industry faces a bleak future.
