As the world marks International Women’s Day, stories of resilience and determination among women in agriculture continue to stand out. Across rural Kenya, many women rise before dawn each day to tend to farms and livestock, ensuring their families and the nation have food on the table.
Among them is Tabitha Njagi, fondly known as Mama Melba, a poultry farmer based in Eldoret Uasin Gishu county, Mti moja area, whose journey from egg trader to successful poultry producer highlights the growing role of women in agribusiness.
A business born from opportunity
Tabitha’s journey began long before she owned her own poultry farm. For years, her family business revolved around buying and selling eggs from local farmers.
“Our business for a long time was selling eggs. We would go to farmers who were rearing chickens and buy from them. That is how my interest in chicken farming started,” she said during an interview with Sharif Ngala at her home.
Over time, the steady demand for eggs inspired her to take a bold step. In 2021, at the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Tabitha decided to start raising her own chickens.
With a ready market already in place, she began the farm with a small number of chicks. Slowly, through reinvesting profits and gaining experience, the venture expanded into a stable and productive poultry business.
The discipline behind poultry farming
For Tabitha, success in poultry farming lies in discipline and proper management. She says cleanliness and adequate water supply are critical to keeping birds healthy.
“For healthy chickens, cleanliness is fundamental and must always be observed. Water should be in plenty because chickens drink more than they eat,” she explained.
She also emphasises the importance of strict vaccination and disease prevention practices.
Protecting the flock
To safeguard her birds from disease outbreaks, Tabitha follows a carefully planned vaccination programme.
Chicks are vaccinated against Newcastle Disease at seven days old, followed by vaccination against Gumboro Disease at 14 days. A booster vaccine for Newcastle disease is administered at 21 days.
Regular monitoring and isolating sick birds are also crucial steps she takes to prevent infections from spreading across the flock.
Passion driving the dream
Tabitha says her entrepreneurial spirit dates back to her school days when she studied business studies, although she never imagined that farming would become her life’s work.
“I studied business studies, but I never thought I would become a farmer. Passion is the key,” she said
Today, that passion has transformed into a thriving enterprise. Rearing 1800 layers.
A farm that feeds both family and community
As of 2026, Tabitha’s poultry farm produces about 50 trays of eggs daily, supplying customers who already trust the quality of her products.
The business has also created additional income streams, including the sale of poultry manure to crop farmers.
“Chicken farming is very profitable. Even my family consumes the eggs we produce,” she added
Inspiring a new generation of women farmers
Despite challenges such as disease outbreaks, Tabitha remains optimistic about the future of poultry farming. By isolating sick birds quickly and maintaining strict hygiene, she continues to protect her flock and sustain production.
