- PFAK requested government safeguards to shield local farmers from large Chinese-owned poultry operations.
- Local producers warned they cannot compete with foreign investors using massive capital and advanced technology.
- The association urged government intervention through protective policies, affordable credit, and value chain support.
The Poultry Farmers Association of Kenya (PFAK) has called on the government to introduce safeguards for local poultry producers amid rising competition from large-scale poultry farms owned by Chinese investors.
The association said the rapid expansion of industrial-scale layer and broiler operations has created an uneven competitive environment, with Kenyan farmers continuing to grapple with high feed prices, limited access to affordable credit, inadequate technology and inconsistent government support.
Speaking on behalf of poultry farmers in Kajiado County, Susan Mwangi said while local producers welcome foreign investment, the government must put in place policies that guarantee fair competition and protect the interests of Kenyan farmers.
“Kenyan poultry farmers are not opposed to investment or international partnerships. However, competition must be fair. Local farmers cannot compete against investors who have access to substantial capital, advanced technologies and extensive financial backing that most Kenyan producers simply do not have,” she said.
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The association cautioned that failure by the government to intervene could drive many small and medium-scale poultry farmers out of business, resulting in job losses, reduced household incomes and increased reliance on foreign-controlled food production.
PFAK urged both the national and county governments to introduce laws that shield local poultry farmers from unfair market practices, develop investment policies that support rather than displace local producers, and expand access to affordable financing.
The association noted that Kenya’s poultry industry provides livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of households, particularly women and youth, while supporting key sectors such as feed manufacturing, hatcheries, veterinary services, transport and trade.
It further called on the government to move swiftly to protect local investments, strengthen the poultry value chain and enhance the country’s food security.
By Frank Mugwe
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