- Japheth Wafula’s journey challenges the myth that success for young Africans lies only in white collar employment, showing that agriculture, when approached with innovation, can be both dignified and profitable.
- At a time of shrinking job opportunities and economic uncertainty, his ornamental poultry venture demonstrates how resilience, skill and strategic thinking can turn overlooked sectors into sustainable livelihoods.
- Wafula’s story is a compelling reminder that the future of youth empowerment, food security and economic transformation in Kenya may well be rooted in the soil.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, yet it is increasingly sidelined by the very demographic expected to drive the country’s future. For many young Kenyans, agriculture is still perceived as dirty, unrewarding and incompatible with academic achievement. The dream for most remains white collar employment, despite the reality that such opportunities are rapidly diminishing.
Across the country, thousands of graduates leave universities each year with the hope of securing formal employment, only to encounter a shrinking job market. Government austerity measures, private sector downsizing and rising operational costs have combined to limit employment opportunities, even as the number of job seekers continues to rise.
Economic Pressure and the Youth Question
This pressure came sharply into focus during the 2024/2025 Finance Bill protests, when millions of Kenyans, largely youth, took to the streets demanding that President William Ruto refrain from signing the bill. Protesters argued that the proposed tax measures would worsen an already fragile economic situation.
They maintained that the Finance Bill would increase the tax burden on citizens already struggling under the weight of high living costs and economic uncertainty.
Even as youth protested economic exclusion, many continued to overlook agriculture, one of the few sectors with the capacity to absorb labour, ensure food security and generate sustainable livelihoods.
President Ruto has repeatedly urged young people to rethink their relationship with agriculture, framing it as both an economic and national priority. He has emphasized that food security is fundamental to building a healthy and prosperous nation.
Choosing a Different Path
In the remote Ebusiralo village of Luanda Sub-county, Vihiga County, Japheth Wafula represents a growing but often overlooked group of young Kenyans who are choosing to invest in agriculture. While many of his peers moved to cities in search of office jobs, Wafula remained, determined to build a livelihood through poultry farming.
When a Scholar Media Africa reporter visited his home in December 2025, Wafula gave a detailed tour of his poultry farm, explaining how he manages feeding, disease control, and the zero grazing system that keeps his birds healthy and productive.
Like many young people, Wafula once dreamed of white collar employment in the city. His ambition was to join an institution of higher learning and pursue Mechanical Engineering. That dream, however, was disrupted by personal tragedy. The death of his mother left his father as the sole breadwinner. Soon after, his father lost his job when Delaru Companies shut down operations in Kenya, further destabilising the family’s finances.
A Legacy Rooted in Poultry Farming
With limited options after completing Form Four, Wafula turned to poultry farming, a venture his late mother had sustained for decades. His mother mainly kept local hens, broilers and improved Kienyeji chickens. Rather than simply replicate her work, Wafula chose to innovate and expand.
He ventured into ornamental poultry farming, a niche yet promising segment with growing commercial and tourism potential.
Ornamental Birds as a Business Opportunity
Among the birds on his farm are Silkie Bantams, which originate from Asia and are known for their soft fluffy feathers, gentle temperament and small cream or white eggs. He also keeps Serama Bantams from Malaysia, admired for their confident and energetic nature, upright posture and small white or lightly tinted eggs.
The farm hosts Polish Bantams originating from the Netherlands and Poland, recognisable by their crested head feathers and active, curious behaviour. Wafula also rears Black Australorps from Australia, valued for their friendly nature and high production of brown eggs. Light Sussex chickens from England are another key breed on the farm, known for their calm temperament and excellent egg laying ability.
Beyond Chickens: Pigeons and Other Birds
Beyond chickens, Wafula keeps several ornamental pigeon varieties. These include Fantail pigeons originating from India and Pakistan, characterised by their fan shaped tails, and Homer pigeons from England, known for their striking appearance and homing ability. He also keeps short beak pigeon varieties bred for unique traits, as well as Trumpeter pigeons believed to have originated from the Middle East, although their specific country of origin remains unclear.
In addition, the farm hosts ducks, quails, guinea fowls and other bird species, transforming the space into a diverse and vibrant avian ecosystem.
Feeding, Health and Zero Grazing Management
All birds are kept under a zero grazing system, a deliberate decision that allows easier management, improved biosecurity and better presentation for visitors and buyers. Wafula explains that zero grazing simplifies transportation for exhibitions and enhances disease control.
However, this system requires a carefully planned feeding programme to maintain strong immunity among the birds. To achieve this, Wafula feeds his birds on Azolla, an aquatic plant rich in protein, mixed with commercial feeds. He has constructed ponds on the farm to ensure a continuous supply of Azolla.
According to Wafula, Azolla significantly boosts the birds’ immune systems and reduces vulnerability to disease. He has also implemented strict visitor protocols to minimise the risk of disease outbreaks, measures that have helped the farm remain stable and productive.
Looking Ahead: Poultry Farming as Agritourism
Looking ahead, Wafula plans to transition fully into ornamental poultry farming and develop the farm into a centre for tourism and showcasing. His vision is to create a space where visitors can learn, interact and appreciate the economic and aesthetic value of poultry farming.
Lessons for Kenya’s Youth
Despite common perceptions, challenges on the farm remain minimal, largely due to disciplined management, innovation and consistency.
Wafula’s journey offers an important lesson for Kenya’s youth. Agriculture is not a fallback option but a viable, dignified and potentially profitable career path when approached with creativity and commitment. As the country grapples with youth unemployment and economic uncertainty, his story is a reminder that sustainable opportunity can still be cultivated from the land.
Challenges and How They Are Managed
Wafula acknowledges that challenges exist, but he describes them as minimal due to the careful systems he has put in place. By maintaining strict feeding routines, managing the farm under a zero grazing system, and following protocols to prevent disease outbreaks, he ensures that most potential problems are effectively controlled and the farm remains productive.
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