Farmers from Ntima West, Ntima East, Naathu and Nyaki West wards in North Imenti constituency have received 6,500 improved kienyeji chicks from the Meru County government to help them improve on their nutrition and financial stability.
While launching the distribution exercise, the County Executive for Agriculture Carol Mutiga encouraged unemployed youth to take advantage of government aid and actively engage in agribusiness.
During the launch, a total of 4000 one month old and two incubator chicks were distributed to various wards across the county.
The incubators which were commissioned in Kiirua/Naari ward have the capacity to hatch 500 chicks every month which will help to increase flock size and ease poultry farming.
Nyaki west ward MCA Martin Muriri distributed over 2,000 kienyeji chicks to 10 registered groups in his area of representation at Kaaga chief’s camp, where he urged the youth to be more proactive in identifying income generating projects for self and community development.
Muriri assured the public that the national and county government was committed to allocating adequate resources to fast track production from farming activities, adding that people of all walks of life had an opportunity to benefit from initiatives geared towards boosting income, diet and nutrition.
“Farmers should take care of the chicks so that they can produce more eggs, meat and also hatch other chicks,” Muriri said.
The program is being spearheaded by the County government of Meru through the ward fund, and so far over 12,500 kienyeji chicks have been distributed to various wards across Meru County.
According to the county executive for agriculture, chicks worth Sh1.5 million will be distributed in Igoji East in November together with the renovation of the Ng’onyi White Meat Market that will ensure farmers have a market for their chicken and fish produce.
Meanwhile, the County government in collaboration with various partners has been able to establish a hatching capacity of 5, 000 chicks every month.
By Erick Otieno and Makaa Margaret
