A dutch firm, De Heus Animal Nutrition, has commenced construction of a Sh3 billion animal feed production plant in Athi River, Machakos county.
The factory, with an annual capacity of 200,000 metric tonnes, is expected to become operational during the second half of 2025, catering to the needs of the poultry, swine and dairy farming sectors in the country.
This follows a ground-breaking ceremony held on Friday April 5, 2024, in the presence of esteemed government and industry officials among other distinguished guests.
Koen de Heus, chief executive officer of De Heus Animal Nutrition B.V said that the investment shows the firm’s commitment towards supplying livestock farmers with high quality animal feeds to support healthy growth of the local meat, eggs and milk industry.
Principal Secretary in the ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke, lauded the investment as a significant sign of confidence in the Kenyan economy and the firm’s growth prospects in the local animal feed industry.
“We are excited by the interest and investment by De Heus Kenya in the local animal feed sector. By merging their global expertise with an understanding of Kenya’s agricultural landscape, we hope to see an introduction of agricultural innovations and feed technologies for our farmers, towards meeting Kenya’s food security needs,” said Mueke.
The PS acknowledged the commitment by De Heus Kenya to collaborate with the government and farming communities to foster agricultural development for long-term growth.
“Through our presence in Kenya, in close proximity to key farming communities we will be able to put our global knowledge to work resulting in enhancement of the productivity and profitability of Kenyan farms.
“Similarly, working through close partnerships and personalized on-the-farm support, we will endeavour to deliver a seamless tailored solution to farmers every time,” said de Heus.
With the country’s animal feed sector on the rise, driven by a young and growing population, the company joins the 305 registered feed companies in Kenya, which include more than 100 exclusive animal feed manufacturers and around 10 commercial feed mills.
Aiming to tap into the increasing animal protein consumption trends in the country, data by De Heus Kenya indicate for example, that Kenyans consume on average about 1.26 kilogrammes per capita of broiler chicken, with egg consumption standing at 36 eggs, or 2.6 KG per capita, per year.
This translates to a sizeable demand for broiler and layer feed per year for the estimated 43.2 million to 49.7 million poultry population in the country respectively. Per capita consumption of pork, on the other hand, stands at about 0.41 KG, with fish at 4 KG, annually. Dairy milk with a consumption of 110 KG per capita is relatively high which translates to a healthy demand for good quality dairy feeds.
Machakos governor Wavinya Ndeti, who also attended the event, said her office will create a supportive environment for business to be able to continuously attract investors whilst spurring job creation for county residents.
“Machakos county is renowned as one of the best counties to do business in Kenya with transformative projects and economic assets such as the Konza Technology City and plans for the new Machakos City, as well as a set industrial development corridor here in Mavoko Sub-County.
“Our commitment to investors, both big and small is that our doors are open. We shall support your businesses for the mutual benefit of the county and the people of Machakos,” she said.
