Meet Ex-Military Man Minting Millions From Bird Farming

A collage image of Joseph Opondo at a past conference (Left) and working at his Tangla Farm in Ugenya in Siaya County (Right).
A collage image of Joseph Opondo at a past conference (Left) and working at his Tangla Farm in Ugenya in Siaya County (Right).
File

As Joseph Opondo retired to his Tangla Farm in Ugenya, Siaya County in 2021, he had already started a lucrative business venture to secure the livelihood for his family.

During an interview with a local media outlet on January 2, the ex-military officer revealed that transitioning from public service to bird farming was easy because of the plans that he had put in place.

The former Director at the National Counter-Terrorism Center went ahead to disclose that he rears some of the world’s exotic birds which earns him millions. 

A collage image of the exotic White Albino peacock (Left) and the Australian peacock (Right).
A collage image of the exotic White Albino peacock (Left) and the Australian peacock (Right).
File

“We have three types of tausis (peacocks). We have the albino peacocks and it is the most expensive as it is Canadian. A pair is Ksh1 million. 

“Then we have the Australian peacocks and the normal ones which go for Ksh250,000,” he revealed.

Opondo went ahead to disclose that the venture has been successful because of the modifications that he made to his farm including installing mirrors for the birds.

"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," he stated.

When he was queried on why he settled for bird farming, he explained that it was part of his hobby adding that bird farming is therapeutic to him and his family.

"The birds and the atmosphere is so serene. They sing and when you look at the bird’s behavior, it hooks your mind from other preconceived ideas that you had in mind.

"The birds we have here have also attracted other birds like the weaver birds that keep on singing for us. Some come here and sing and leave at 0300hrs,” he stated.

Additionally, Opondo plants herbs and vegetables such as mint, coriander, and garlic which he exports to European countries such as Germany. He stated that he aimed at helping patients with respiratory diseases get cured through the plantation.

On her part, Opondos’s wife, Judith Akinyi, who is a retired teacher, stated that she decided to relocate to the farm to help her husband in his business venture.

“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,” she asserted.

An image of Joseph Opondo tending to crops at his Tangla Farm in Ugenya, Siaya County on January 2, 2022.
An image of Joseph Opondo tending to crops at his Tangla Farm in Ugenya, Siaya County on January 2, 2022.
File