By Afrireport 
In villages spread across Kiambu County, a quiet but impactful transformation is taking place in many households.
Small poultry sheds, once holding a handful of birds, are now turning into steady sources of income and nutrition for thousands of families.
At the centre of this change is a county backed initiative that is steadily reshaping livelihoods at the grassroots.
More than 120,000 women have benefited from improved Kienyeji chicken distributed by the Kiambu County government under Governor Kimani Wamatangi’s administration.
The programme targets women from all the county’s 60 wards, with the aim of boosting household incomes, strengthening food security and promoting economic empowerment at the community level.
The improved Kienyeji breed is known for its resilience, faster growth rate and higher egg production compared to traditional indigenous chickens.
Beneficiaries receive chicks alongside basic training on poultry management, disease control and feeding, enabling them to maximise returns while reducing losses.
County officials say the programme was designed to address both economic and social challenges facing women, particularly those in rural areas.
By focusing on women groups, self help associations and individual farmers, the initiative ensures that benefits reach households directly and sustainably.
Governor Wamatangi has previously emphasized agriculture as a key pillar of his administration’s development agenda, noting that small scale farming can play a significant role in poverty reduction if properly supported.
Also read
- Trump vs Trevor Noah: Epstein Joke Sparks Fresh Legal Threats
- No More Excuses! CS Ruku Warns Underperforming Civil Servants
- Inside Kakamega’s Newest ECDE Block: What Governor Barasa Just Unveiled in Matungu
- Museveni Drops Uganda Airlines CEO in Sudden Midnight Shake-Up
- How a Promised Way Out Abroad Turned Into a Growing Labour Scandal
The Kienyeji chicken programme complements other county interventions aimed at improving dairy farming, crop production and access to markets.
For many beneficiaries, the impact is already evident. Some women report increased income from the sale of eggs and mature birds, while others say the chickens have improved household nutrition, especially for children.
In several wards, beneficiaries have formed cooperative groups to pool resources, access veterinary services and negotiate better prices in local markets.
The county government has also partnered with agricultural extension officers to provide continuous support, including regular follow ups and sensitisation on biosecurity measures to curb disease outbreaks.
Plans are underway to scale up the programme further by linking farmers to value addition opportunities such as egg grading, packaging and local processing.
As Kiambu continues to invest in people centred agricultural initiatives, the Kienyeji chicken programme stands out as a practical example of how targeted support can translate into tangible economic gains.
For thousands of women across the county, a small flock of chickens is proving to be much more than just poultry it is a pathway to dignity, independence and improved livelihoods.
