• There has been shortage of eggs reported in Nyanza as imports decline and local production struggles
• Egg producers and suppliers said the high cost of feeds may have led to the decline in production
• Last year, poultry farmers were paying Sh2,700 for a 50kg bag of feed, a price that has increased to Sh3,300
Shortage of eggs has been reported in Nyanza as imports decline and local production struggles.
Photo,courtesy.
The developments have seen prices soar in Kisumu and parts of Siaya, with a crate of eggs selling at between Sh340 and Sh450.
About two months ago, the price was stable at 330 per crate of 30 eggs. On Tuesday, April 11, egg producers and suppliers said the high cost of feeds may have led to the decline in production.
Kenya Poultry Farmers Director Ronnie Hezron, who supplies eggs to retailers in Western region, said a number of small-scale farmers had stopped keeping layers due to the high-cost feeds.
Mr Hezron added that most farmers were now practicing poultry for meat to avoid future losses.
Jane Muga, a local egg supplier in Kisumu, said she opted to get aggregate supplies from local farmers within the city to cut cost and provide a ready market for them.
Mr Steve Sande who manages a local poultry farm, said egg prices in Kisumu are determined by the flow of eggs from Uganda.
“When Ugandan eggs flood the market, definitely, the prices go down here, and when they are scarce, the prices increase,” said Sande.
Rose Atieno, a mother of four, said eggs have always been a better and cheaper alternative for herself and family. She said the shortage had hit them hard.
Last year, poultry farmers were paying Sh2,700 for a 50kg bag of feed, a price that has increased to Sh3,300.
