The lively sounds of bleating sheep and goats, clucking chickens, and mooing cows filled the livestock section at this year’s Mombasa International Show. Adding to the scene at the Mkomani ASK Showground was the dazzling beauty of peacocks.

As the event drew to a close, families gathered to admire the animals on display. Imagine a hen priced at Sh50,000, and a sheep at Sh45,000! These were just some of the show’s highlights, leaving visitors awestruck.

“I am a breeder. I have a poultry farm alongside my son. In the farm we have a variety of ornamental birds including Peacocks, and a variety of breeds of Chicken such as Silky, Polish and one of the latest breeds in the country Orpington Chicken which goes for Sh50,000. I imported eggs of the ornamental birds from the UK for breeding. The eggs were hatched and I got the breeds. Now I have a pair which now lays eggs which we then incubate for more chicks,” explained Khadija Sheriff, the founder Kilifi-based Had’s Poultry farm whose chicken scooped multiple awards at the show.

Pets for decoration

The ornamental birds she said are kept mainly as pets for decoration and rarely for meat.

“They are too expensive for meat. Nobody can afford to buy chicken at Sh45,000 or Sh50,000 just for meat. Mostly they are kept for decoration. In my garden they are in an open garden. Being a breeder I only sell the chicks and not the parent pair… the market is good. Even as we speak now I have multiple orders for ornamental chicks and now I have placed several eggs in the incubator,” she explained that the number of clients increased after the show.

Mwamburi Josphat, another exhibitor from MJ Ornamental farm in Taita Taveta county says there is a growing market for the birds online where they have focused.

“We get many clients online. The prices of the birds range from Sh1,000 to Sh50,000 depending on the breed. But for us we keep breeds that are favorable to our clients,” Mwamburi says they major mainly on polish and silky breeds of ornamental chicken.

“We also have ornamental ducks such as Welsh Harlequin, Rouen duck and Khaki Campbells and Indian Runner duck among others,” he told visitors at the show themed “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.”

Improved breeds

Visitors marveled at the remarkable variety of improved animal and bird breeds on display, with some eager buyers taking animals home to rear. All eyes were drawn to the champions of this year’s show, proudly adorned with ribbons that read “Champion.” Families posed for photos with these prized animals before heading to the dairy section, where long queues formed to witness the milking process, with fresh milk on offer.

Nearby, the Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) stand became a focal point, thanks to the irresistible aroma of sizzling Nyama Choma wafting from the entrance. Visitors, drawn by the mouthwatering scent, were greeted by the friendly smiles of Kenya Defense Force personnel, who now manage the Commission.

Many were surprised to learn the intricate operations that take place at KMC.

Tasty offerings

Lucky visitors were treated to a feast of KMC’s products—sumptuous smokies, sausages, pork, and canned corned beef, among others. As they savored the tasty offerings, many left licking their fingers, visibly impressed by the quality of the food.

Colonel Anthony Naibei, the Kibarani Branch Manager, explained the Commission’s commitment to sustainability.

“Nothing goes to waste here. After slaughter, we collect solid waste, which is turned into manure for sale. For the bones, we process those into Meat and Bone Meal (MBM) for animal feed and aquaculture rations. We also produce blood meal, which serves as nutritious feed for chickens, dogs, and more. Our goal is to support climate-smart agriculture, and waste management is key to that effort. We even use bio-digesters to ensure no waste harms the environment,” Naibei said.

He added that the Kibarani factory is a vital partner for animal farmers across Lamu, Kilifi, Tana River, Taita Taveta and Kwale counties, offering them a reliable market for their livestock.

“I want to encourage the public not to shy away from supplying us. You don’t need to be a large company or own a vast ranch—individual farmers are welcome too. As long as you have tax compliance, you can bring your cattle and goats, and we’re ready to do business. You will receive your payment promptly,” Naibei assured, highlighting the Commission’s dedication to supporting food security in the country.