Cartels squeeze Nairobi’s poultry farmers as calls for market reforms intensify

KENYA – Poultry farmers in Nairobi are sounding the alarm over what they describe as severe exploitation by cartels controlling the City Market. 

These farmers, who depend heavily on the market for their livelihood, are calling on the government to take swift action to protect them from unfair pricing practices that have left many struggling financially.

At the heart of the farmers’ grievances is a monopolistic pricing system imposed by powerful middlemen and wholesalers. 

According to the farmers, these intermediaries dictate the prices at which chickens are sold, forcing them to accept drastically reduced amounts, making it increasingly difficult to cover basic expenses. 

John Mwangi, a seasoned poultry farmer with over a decade of experience, expressed the frustration shared by many. “Last year, I sold a chicken for 600 shillings. Now I’m lucky if I get 250,” he lamented. “It’s impossible to make a living like this.”

Farmers from neighbouring counties like Kiambu and Machakos, who rely on the City Market as a primary sales outlet, report similar challenges. 

With chicken prices plummeting, many find it nearly impossible to stay afloat amidst rising costs for feed, veterinary care, and farm maintenance.

Grace Achieng, a poultry farmer and mother of four, shared her story of hardship. Due to escalating feed prices, she was forced to sell her chickens at a significant loss to cover debts. 

“I sold them for 200 shillings each just to pay off debts,” she explained. “I’m afraid I’ll lose everything.”

The worsening situation has pushed poultry farmers to seek government intervention. In a recent Nairobi Poultry Farmers Association meeting, over 200 farmers gathered to voice their concerns and demand action. 

The association’s chairman, Samuel Ndung’u, emphasised the need for urgent regulatory measures. 

“We need the government to step in and protect us,” he said. “Without regulations, these cartels will continue destroying our livelihoods. We cannot compete against their manipulations.”

Farmers are urging authorities to establish a transparent pricing mechanism that accurately reflects the cost of production. They also call for enforcing laws that would prevent monopolistic practices in the marketplace. 

Experts have suggested that empowering farmers through cooperatives could offer a viable solution. By strengthening cooperatives, farmers may be able to negotiate collectively and secure fairer prices, reducing their dependence on exploitative middlemen. 

Additionally, providing farmers better access to financial management training and sustainable farming education could help them build more resilient businesses.

Advocacy groups have also joined the cause, pressing the government to develop policies that support small-scale farmers, promote fair market practices, and encourage sustainable agriculture. 

While the plight of Nairobi’s poultry farmers is beginning to draw attention, they stress that without concrete government action, their situation will only worsen.

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