Broiler Chicken for Sons of Manasseh
Sons of Manasseh Orphanage in Kiserian, Kajiado County, Kenya, is home to 70 children under the nurturing care of their dedicated founder and resident mother, Beatrice. The challenging journey to reach this remote children’s home takes 40 minutes of dusty backroads from the closest highway, crossing rugged terrains that characterize the isolated area of Olchoronyori, Kenya. Beatrice, driven by a quest for sustainability and self-sufficiency, applied for a grant from The Giving Exchange starting the partnership in 2021.
The Sons of Manasseh's sustainability venture initially involved raising 700 layer chickens, intended to produce and sell eggs for nourishing meals. However, recognizing the need for a more profitable avenue, Beatrice made a strategic decision to transition to raising broiler chickens, specifically bred for meat. This transition proved to be a game-changer for the orphanage's financial sustainability.
In August 2023, funded by The Giving Exchange's donors, Beatrice acquired 200 broiler chicks and raised them to maturity. The mature chickens were sold at 550 Kenyan shillings each, resulting in an impressive profit of 26,000 Kenyan shillings in just eight weeks. Encouraged by this success, Beatrice is exapanding her flock to 300 chickens toward the end of the year, anticipating a more lucrative market during the holiday season.
Beyond financial sustainability, Beatrice's vision extends to generating funds for essential school supplies for the children during the January back-to-school season. Sons of Manasseh's broiler chicken project not only ensures the orphanage's sustenance but also provides valuable skills to the children and contributes to their overall well-being with enhanced nutrition.
