- Motivated by her love for agriculture and a quest for innovation, Joyce Kiara from Nakuru County, Kenya, has achieved prosperity through breeding ornamental birds
- A notable advantage of ornamental birds lies in their rapid maturation period, akin to chickens, but yielding significantly greater profits
- Peacocks stand out as Kiara’s most lucrative investment, with mature pairs commanding prices of up to Sh320,000 – a remarkable difference compared to the Sh1,500 earned per chicken
Driven by her passion for agriculture and a desire for something unique, Joyce Kiara of Nakuru County, Kenya, has found success in raising ornamental birds.
Her farm, Charis Farm, is a pioneer in this field, boasting a variety of species including peacocks, Brahma chickens, guineafowl, pheasants, and more.
Kiara’s journey began with goat farming, but she soon ventured into poultry on a small scale.
Seeking a niche beyond traditional chicken farming, she discovered ornamental birds through Google research.
This proved to be a lucrative decision, with Charis Farm now reaping significant profits.
One key advantage of ornamental birds is their short maturity period, similar to chickens, yet with much higher profitability.
Kiara’s top earners are peacocks, with mature pairs fetching up to Sh320,000 – a stark contrast to the Sh1,500 earned per chicken. Other birds like Brahma chickens and guineafowl also offer significant returns, with guineafowl eggs even fetching Sh250 compared to a chicken egg’s Sh15.
Beyond profitability, Kiara highlights the benefits of lower feed requirements and disease resistance in some ornamental birds.
However, she emphasizes the importance of obtaining a permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and adhering to their guidelines for caging to prevent crossbreeding and mortality.
Starting this venture requires careful planning and research. Kiara stresses the importance of understanding bird needs, including their specific feed requirements and the associated costs. “You cannot just start farming when you don’t know what to feed the birds,” she advises.
Kiara’s success story is not just about financial gain.
Her dedication and innovative approach have earned her recognition, including an award at the 2022 Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya Trade Fair.
Her example serves as an inspiration for other farmers seeking new and profitable opportunities in the Kenyan agricultural landscape.
