Did you know you must get a licence from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), in order to grow quail?

Quail growing is most common among the youth and women in Kenya

There is an unprecedented surge in demand for quail products in recent months. This has compelled entrepreneurs across Kenya to venture into the relatively new business of quail farming. Because quail is considered a wild animal, quail farmers first need to apply for a permit from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Before the service can issue a licence, KWS officials must inspect the farm to ensure that it meets requirements for raising quail. An annual fee for maintaining a licence costs up to 2,000 shillings ($22.9) and the permit can be renewed annually subject to meeting certain conditions, including hygiene. The KWS conducts periodic monitoring and inspections of farms, and will withdraw licenses from farmers who violate the conditions. Currently, the service has a stack of permit applications from individual and groups that want to go into quail farming. The government is encouraging the regulated business as a way to create jobs and provide Kenyans with alternative food sources, because the quail business has taken root in the coast, eastern and central regions as well as Nairobi County. KWS also licences the keeping of other wildlife animals like crocodiles to help in conservation efforts. You can get a copy of application form for the licence here: http://www.kws.org/export/sites/kws/misc/downloads/Quail-bird_application_form.pdf