In Kisii County, George Eshiwan Bota, a qualified but unemployed doctor, has started ornamental bird farming to earn a living. He began the venture in 2019 after getting inspiration from a friend in Kisumu. The farming has brought him significant profits, including sales of pigeons for weddings and peace ceremonies.
George Eshiwan Bota, 30, from Kiogoro in Nyaribari Chache, Kisii County, qualified as a doctor but remains unemployed in that field. Due to a lack of office jobs, he entered ornamental bird farming, a venture started seven years ago.
"I started ornamental bird farming in 2019. I got into this after visiting my friend in Kisumu," says Eshiwan. The friend explained the good income from it, so he returned home and began immediately.
On his farm, Eshiwan raises two groups of birds: types similar to chickens and pigeon varieties. In the ornamental chicken group, he has five samples, including brahma, silkies bantams, polish bantams, Swedish flower, and giant chicken. For pigeons, he has six, such as Indian fantail, Pomeranian pouter, shungi flair, capuchin, speckled pigeon, and local pigeon. He also raises rabbits and ducks.
To start, he had to buy birds from his friend and others via online networks, as there were no local farmers. He notes these birds eat less than regular chickens, and their sales yield higher profits. For instance, a one-day-old chick costs Sh1,000, while a pair of pigeons can sell for Sh40,000 or Sh50,000, especially to weddings that prefer white pigeons.
"Pigeons are a major economic driver on my farm. I get many clients who are couples wanting pigeons for their ceremonies," he explains. Pigeons are also used in peace events, like political agreements.
In a good month, Eshiwan earns over Sh50,000. He describes brahma as originating from the United States, with roosters reaching up to 10kg and hens 7kg. He encourages youth to take up farming to sustain themselves, and he hopes to convert his home into a research and training center within five years, if he receives support from the government or donors.