Kericho: A poultry farmer in Kericho has embarked on a rare supplementary feeding method for his chicken breeding venture to address the challenges of skyrocketing commercial poultry feeds prices by using black soldier flies (BSF).

According to Kenya News Agency, Silas Kipruto, 34, a resident of Chepkubei village within Belgut sub-county in Kericho County, is utilizing BSF as a sustainable protein source for his chickens. This innovative approach has allowed him to significantly reduce his feeding costs while ensuring his birds fetch better prices in the market. Kipruto’s farm, the Palace Farm, spans an acre of land and houses around 500 improved kienyeji birds in various stages of breeding. These birds are kept in a deep litter system, which provides them with ample freedom and natural light.

Kipruto’s BSF breeding area features a wooden structure filled with organic waste, serving as a breeding ground for the flies. He learned the technique from a poultry farmer in Bomet County and through online resources. Kipruto highlights that BSF larvae, which contain 50% protein, facilitate faster growth in chickens, thereby enhancing their market value. His farm can brood 1,500 chicks monthly, attracting buyers from as far as Samburu and nearby Bomet County.

Kipruto explains that the BSF process involves using wooden media, called eggies, and smelly attracters to encourage egg-laying. The BSF eggs hatch into larvae within a fortnight, which are then fed kitchen waste to grow. Kipruto harvests the larvae for chicken feed and compost, while maintaining a colony to sustain production. This cycle allows him to supplement commercial feeds and sell larvae to interested farmers.

Since starting his chicken breeding farm in 2012, Kipruto has expanded significantly, particularly after adopting BSF farming a year ago. By reducing reliance on commercial feeds, he has cut feeding costs by 30%, allowing him to invest savings back into his farm. The BSF waste also contributes to increased crop productivity on his vegetable farm.

Kipruto advocates for governmental support to expose youths to smart agriculture practices through media and social platforms, encouraging them to explore farming as a viable livelihood. He expresses satisfaction with his farming journey and urges young people to embrace agriculture for both personal and community benefits. Despite challenges, Kipruto emphasizes patience and hard work as essential elements for success in farming.