KPDA Warns New Machakos Poultry Fee Will Cripple Farmers and Destroy Livelihoods

The Kenya Poultry Breeders Association (KPDA) has raised alarm over a new Machakos County law imposing a KES 20 fee on every chicken moved out of the county, warning that the decision will devastate poultry farming and cripple livelihoods across the region.

The Association, which represents poultry farmers and processors nationwide, has requested an urgent meeting with Governor Wavinya Ndeti to discuss the impact of the new policy, which it describes as “a direct threat to the survival of poultry farming in Machakos.”

“This punitive fee will devastate smallholder farmers, cripple local businesses, and destroy thousands of jobs,” said a KPDA spokesperson. “Millions rely on poultry as a source of income and nutrition, and this new burden risks driving the most vulnerable households out of business.”

The poultry industry in Machakos — largely driven by smallholder farmers — has already been struggling under the weight of rising feed prices, increased taxes on equipment, and cheap imports. According to KPDA, the additional county-imposed movement fee will worsen the situation, pushing many farmers to shut down their operations altogether.

The Association emphasized that poultry farming is the backbone of rural livelihoods, particularly for women and youth, providing critical income for education, healthcare, and other basic needs.

“By introducing this movement fee, the county government is undermining food security and eroding the fragile economic gains made under national development agendas,” KPDA added.

KPDA has called on Governor Ndeti to suspend the implementation of the poultry movement fee and engage stakeholders in dialogue to find solutions that protect farmers while supporting county revenue goals.

The KPDA represents poultry farmers, breeders, and processors across Kenya. The Association works to promote sustainable poultry production, fair trade practices, and policies that support the growth and resilience of the poultry sector.

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