How to Get Started with Snake Business in Kenya

Roots party presidential candidate prof George Wajackoyah unveiled plans to start snake farming in Kenya in his manifesto. This has left some Kenyans wondering how this snake business could be, given how dangerous the animal is.

Although it is a precarious business, it is very lucrative for anyone willing to take risks and make vast sums of money at the end of the day.

Snakes produce venom that is actively delivered through a bite or sting. Pharmaceuticals commonly use the toxin for research, including finding antidotes for snake bites.

Snake venom has generated a lot of demand internationally due to the scarcity of this product due to the risky nature of snake rearing.

The Chinese also use snakeskin for medicinal purposes. People take snake skin by mouth to treat skin disorders, gallbladder disorders, and high blood pressure.

Before starting this business, experts advise that you have anti-venom for every species of snake you are rearing. They also recommend that farmers always be in gumboots while on snake farms to avoid intense incidences of snake bites.

How to get started with snake rearing

1. Obtain Legal Requirements

Because of its risky nature, snake rearing remains illegal in many countries. It is, therefore, advisable for one to seek a license to operate wildlife utilization enterprises. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is the body that authorizes snake farming in Kenya.

2. Find a Suitable Location

Snakes are cold-blooded and are likely to die in cold temperatures. Look for a suitable location away from people to avoid human fatality. Look for an area with favourable climatic conditions.

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When freezing temperatures hit, these animals are experts at hiding, and their presence goes unnoticed, especially in an open area, which could be dangerous to the surrounding people.

Snakes require a temperature of 24-29 degrees Celsius during the day and around 21-24 degrees Celsius during the night.

3. Get snakes.

Try to get as many species of snakes as possible, favouring the high demand and lucrative species such as the horned viper and the ball python.

4. Feeding

Ensure your snakes are well fed. Each type of snake eats different kinds of food. Most species will feed on mice, which is a complete and balanced diet for a snake. Some feed on rodents and birds, while others feed on insects.

5. Marketing

Once your snakes are ready for sale, it is time to make money out of them. You can look for buyers online or write directly to pharmaceutical companies across the globe.

Also, reach out to restaurants serving snake meals, as well as fashion industries as Snakes skin are used in making belts, jackets, shoes etc.