ATHI RIVER, Kenya, Feb 16 — Kenya has commissioned one of the largest animal feed manufacturing facilities on the African continent, in a move officials say is central to increasing milk production, enforcing feed standards, and supporting the country’s livestock sector.
The Sh3 billion De Heus Animal Nutrition factory in Athi River was officially opened by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, who described the investment as part of broader reforms in the livestock economy.
“Today is not just about opening a factory. It is about increasing productivity per cow,” said CS Kagwe. “The future of Kenya’s dairy and meat sector depends on efficiency, nutrition, genetics, animal health, and quality feed.”
Kenya aims to double annual milk production from 5.2 billion litres to 10 billion litres and position itself as a net exporter of live animals and meat. Officials say this requires a shift from volume-based growth to productivity per animal, supported by science-based nutrition and stronger regulation.
The commissioning comes as Kenya’s feed industry faces greater oversight. Farmers have raised concerns over inconsistent feed formulations, variable batch performance, and diluted products that reduce productivity. Feed accounts for up to 60–70 percent of livestock production costs, making quality critical to profitability.
CS Kagwe said the government will strengthen enforcement and introduce a feed quality index to protect farmers from substandard products. “Substandard formulations designed to maximize profits at the expense of productivity will not be tolerated,” he said. Export markets require strict standards, and Kenya’s competitiveness in milk powder, meat, and live animal exports will rely heavily on feed quality and animal health.
The Athi River plant represents a KSh 3 billion investment with an annual production capacity of 240,000 metric tonnes. It integrates laboratory testing of raw materials, standardized recipes, automated production, and batch verification to ensure consistency.
Unlike integrated agribusiness models, De Heus focuses exclusively on animal nutrition, providing farmers with advisory services and technical support.
“Our investment is about building capabilities,” said Co de Heus, Chairman. “We work with farmers and local partners to share technical expertise and practical solutions to improve agricultural outcomes.”
De Heus produces roughly 16 million tons of feed annually across more than 100 factories globally.
Managing Director Wiehan Visagie said local manufacturing was driven by gaps in feed reliability and farmer confidence. “Feed has long been a gamble for many farmers. Our goal is to provide consistent, batch-tested nutrition along with technical support because productivity happens when good feed meets good knowledge.”
Linking Feed Security to National Reform
Government reforms are running alongside private investment. Under the Land Commercialization Initiative, Kenya is opening land for structured production of yellow maize and soybeans, key feed ingredients, while integrating small farmers through contract farming.
Construction of 50 dams is expected to expand irrigation and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture, while feed reserves are being planned to protect farmers during droughts.
“Feed security must be localized. Kenya must reduce dependence on imports of key feed ingredients,” said CS Kagwe.
Jobs, Local Impact, and Regional Ambition
The facility will create around 280 direct jobs, with additional opportunities in logistics and supply chains.
In Machakos County, Governor Wavinya Ndeti said the plant will support agro-industrial development and youth employment. “Quality feed is critical for productive livestock. Better feed improves yields and milk production.”
The Ambassador of the Netherlands highlighted the broader partnership dimension, noting that the facility reflects confidence in Kenya’s agriculture and economy.
With 35 outlets across Kenya and plans to serve regional markets including Uganda and Tanzania, the Athi River plant is part of efforts to position Kenya as a regional hub for livestock feed production.
Analysts note that livestock contributes about 12 percent of GDP but faces productivity gaps. Stricter feed standards, localized raw materials, lab-backed consistency, and farmer advisory support signal a shift toward efficiency and quality-driven growth.
As CS Kagwe said, “Facilities like this create jobs, increase demand for raw materials, support youth in agribusiness, strengthen rural economies, and improve investor confidence.”
The Athi River plant represents not just a factory, but the convergence of policy reform, private investment, and science-based production aimed at modernizing Kenya’s livestock value chain and supporting its role in regional agricultural trade.
