The Kenya Poultry Breeders Association (KPDA) has expressed strong concerns over a new Machakos County law that imposes a Sh20 levy on every chicken transported out of the county. The association argues that the additional fee could severely undermine poultry farming, a sector that supports thousands of households across the region. In a statement released over the weekend, KPDA called for an urgent meeting with Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti, warning that the measure could cripple livelihoods and disrupt the broader poultry supply chain if not reconsidered.
Poultry farming is one of Machakos County’s key economic activities, particularly among smallholder farmers who rely on the trade for daily income. Many traders move poultry between Machakos and neighboring counties such as Nairobi, Kitui, Makueni, and Kajiado. Farmers fear the new levy may increase transportation costs and discourage trade, making it difficult for local producers to compete in regional markets. KPDA added that introducing financial hurdles at a time when farmers are already grappling with high feed prices and fluctuating market demand risks pushing many out of business. The association emphasized that millions of Kenyans rely on poultry not just as a source of income, but also for affordable protein in their diets.
The policy has sparked calls for dialogue, with KPDA urging the county to consider more farmer-friendly alternatives such as subsidized feed programs, disease control support, and improved market access. The group maintains that cooperative engagement between farmers and county officials is essential to protect livelihoods while still enabling the county to raise revenue. Governor Wavinya’s administration has yet to issue a formal response to KPDA’s request, though county officials have previously defended revenue measures as necessary for funding development and strengthening local agricultural systems.
The outcome of the discussions is now anticipated closely by farmers and poultry traders across the region. If the county agrees to review the levy, it could ease economic pressure on smallholders while fostering a more supportive environment for agricultural growth. However, if the fee remains unchanged, stakeholders warn it could trigger reduced production, higher market prices, and loss of jobs across the poultry value chain. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how the county balances revenue needs with the economic realities facing local farmers.