This archive report was first published on 3 January 2022.
Joseph Opondo, a retired military officer, has found a lucrative business venture in bird farming at his Tangla Farm in Ugenya, Siaya County. In an interview with a local media outlet on January 2, 2022, he revealed that transitioning from public service to bird farming was easy due to the plans he had put in place.
As of 2021, Opondo had already started his bird farming venture to secure the livelihood for his family. He rears some of the world's exotic birds, including albino peacocks, which are the most expensive, costing Ksh1 million per pair. He also has Australian peacocks and normal ones, which go for Ksh250,000.
According to Opondo, the venture has been successful due to the modifications he made to his farm, including installing mirrors for the birds. He stated, "Peacocks are proud birds so it must go and look at itself in the mirror for it to feel happy. We have a mirror for it for happiness effect."
Additionally, Opondo plants herbs and vegetables such as mint, coriander, and garlic, which he exports to European countries like Germany. He aims to help patients with respiratory diseases get cured through the plantation.
His wife, Judith Akinyi, a retired teacher, has joined him in the business venture. She stated, "I felt that it was okay that he was retiring and that I should come back home and join hands and work as a family to see what we can do for the family and our neighborhood."
