Cricket farming in Kenya is quietly turning into a money-making venture. Traditionally seen as annoying insects, crickets are now winning the attention of smart farmers across the country.
These brown or dark insects, known for their chirping sounds at night, are proving to be a reliable and affordable source of income. Farmers, especially in the Nyanza region, have embraced cricket farming, with many keeping house crickets in simple containers.
With minimal space, little water, and cheap food, anyone can begin a cricket farm and start earning in just three months.
Getting Started With Cricket Farming In Kenya
Cricket farming in Kenya is ideal for anyone looking to make money with little investment. Whether you’re in the village or urban areas, you can easily raise these insects at home.
Ideal Conditions For Rearing Crickets
Crickets do not require a lot of space or complex infrastructure. A small 3m by 4m space is enough to host 100 crates of crickets. This means you can start farming even in your backyard or unused room.
To begin, you only need about Kshs 1,000 to buy a few containers and get your first batch of crickets. Most farmers start by capturing them from the wild. Once placed in crates or buckets, female crickets lay eggs which hatch into baby crickets, known as nymphs, after a month. These nymphs grow into mature crickets in about three months.
Crickets prefer dark and warm environments. To ensure success, keep the crates away from direct sunlight and maintain moderate humidity. Good hygiene and minimal disturbance will also improve growth and breeding.
What Crickets Eat
Feeding crickets is simple and cheap. They eat kitchen leftovers like sukuma wiki (kale), ugali crumbs, potato peels, and other vegetable waste. They need only a small amount of water, which can be given using a damp sponge or soaked cotton wool. Feeding is best done in the morning and evening.
This low-cost diet makes cricket farming in Kenya an affordable and sustainable agribusiness.
Benefits Of Cricket Farming
Cricket farming is not just cheap—it is highly profitable and environmentally friendly.
High Nutritional Value
Crickets contain over 60 percent protein. This makes them a powerful source of nutrition for humans and animals alike. The insects can be eaten whole or processed into powder. This powder is then used to make porridge, mandazis, chapatis, cakes, and cookies. It’s also added to animal feeds for chickens and fish.
Year-Round Income
Crickets are not affected by seasonal weather changes. This means a farmer can breed and sell them throughout the year. Unlike crops, crickets give consistent yields every three months, allowing steady income with proper planning.
High Profits
The returns are impressive. A single crate of mature crickets sells for about Kshs 700. If you have 100 crates, that adds up to Kshs 70,000 in sales. With low upkeep costs, the majority of this becomes profit.
Conclusion
Cricket farming in Kenya is a hidden gem in the agricultural world. It requires little money, small space, and minimal attention. With growing demand for alternative proteins and sustainable farming, this venture has a bright future.
Whether you’re a youth, retiree, or job seeker, starting your own cricket farm could be the next big move toward financial freedom.
