This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
On a typical day, Pacifica Ombachi's poultry business in Trans Nzoia would generate up to Sh. 4,000 in sales, with her selling at least 10 trays of eggs and chicken to various customers. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Kenya in March 2020, her business has been severely affected, leading to significant losses and a drastic decline in sales.
As a housewife, Ombachi enjoyed running a business that could put food on the table for her children and support her family's development. Her main market was customers with events such as funerals, weddings, and family gatherings, where she would sell up to 200 chickens on a given weekend. She would also sell eggs to lovers of beer, shops, and hotels, earning her a steady income.
But with the government's movement controls and social distancing measures, Ombachi's market disappeared overnight. The closure of hotels and bars, as well as the ban on social gatherings, meant that her customers were no longer able to buy her products. The government's regulations on funerals, limiting the number of mourners to 15, also had a devastating impact on her business.
With no market for her products, Ombachi was forced to allow her chickens to roam free, rather than feeding them. However, this led to the loss of 20 birds to stray dogs within her neighborhood, and the chickens were also prone to disease, requiring expensive treatment. The few chickens that survived still had no market, with buyers demanding lower prices, making it difficult for Ombachi to sustain her business.
As a result, Ombachi has accepted that her business will not return to its former glory, at least not until the government relaxes its control measures. She hopes that with the easing of restrictions, her market will resume, and she will be able to earn a steady income once again.
By Pauline Ikanda
