From mitumba to poultry: How a trader built a thriving venture

For years, Nicholas Nthama made a living selling second-hand clothes at Nairobi's bustling Gikomba Market, sometimes starting his day with items worth as little as ten shillings.

But in 2023, he took a leap of faith that has since transformed his life.

Today, the father of several children is a successful poultry trader at Pipeline Stage in Nairobi, earning enough to provide for his family, educate his children and inspire other young people to embrace self-employment instead of waiting for white-collar jobs.

After observing friends and neighbours steadily making money from selling chickens, Nthama decided to give the business a try.

"Watching people around me succeed gave me the courage to venture into poultry. I saw the opportunity, left the mitumba business and started selling chickens in 2023," he says.

He believes both businesses can be profitable, but success depends on commitment and the amount of capital invested.

"When I sell two or three chickens, I make between Ksh.500 and Ksh.1,000 in profit. On good days, I earn between Ksh.2,000 and Ksh.3,000, while even on slow days I still make around Ksh.1,000."

Weekends and public holidays bring the biggest returns as demand for chicken rises.

"During weekends and holidays I can earn between Ksh.5,000 and Ksh.6,000 because that's when customers are many."

Nthama sources his poultry from Masinga and Kalakala in Ukambani, spending about Ksh.1,500 on transport to bring the birds to Nairobi.

The business has given him more than just an income—it has restored dignity and stability to his family.

"This business has changed my life. I can now feed my family and pay school fees for all my children, including one with a disability who is in boarding school in Meru, as well as my younger children in PP1 and PP2."

Like any entrepreneur, however, he has had to navigate setbacks.

"Sometimes chickens die before they're sold, and that's a loss. But every business has its risks."

He says proper feeding is key because healthy birds fetch better prices.

"A well-fed chicken gains weight, and that can increase its selling price by about Ksh.100."

"Treat your customers well and sell quality products. If they're satisfied, they'll come back and bring others with them."

He sells hens from Ksh.800 to Ksh.2,000 and cocks from Ksh.1,300 to Ksh.2,200, with birds priced between Ksh.800 and Ksh.1,000 attracting the highest demand.

He estimates that a beginner needs about Ksh.30,000 to start a poultry business, but insists determination matters more than money.

"Hard work and persistence are more important than capital. Even with Ksh.100, someone can start a business. Young people should stop waiting for jobs and begin with whatever they have," he concluded.