De Heus, a Dutch animal feed company, is expanding in Kenya with a state-of-the-art animal feed plant in Athi River, Nairobi, focusing on livestock feed.
The plant is scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2025 and will have an annual capacity of 200,000 metric tonnes, catering to the needs of poultry, swine, and dairy farming sectors.
De Heus in Kenya
De Heus, known for its expertise in animal nutrition, has a global presence in producing high-quality compound feed, premixes, concentrates, and feed specialties.
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The company’s expansion into Kenya is part of its strategy to support agricultural development in emerging markets. Kenya, with its growing livestock sector, presents a significant opportunity for De Heus to enhance feed supply and farming practices, particularly in poultry, swine, and dairy farming.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the plant was held on April 4, 2024, and the project has received support from Kenyan government officials, including the Principal Secretary for Livestock Development and the Governor of Machakos County.
The plant’s development includes the construction of a raw material warehouse, expected to be completed by late 2024, which will ensure a reliable supply chain.
This infrastructure is part of a Ksh3 billion investment, highlighting De Heus’s commitment to Kenya.
Economic and Social Impact
The expansion is anticipated to have significant economic and social benefits. It is expected to create 250 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs, contributing to employment opportunities in Nairobi and surrounding areas.
De Heus aims to secure a 3.5% share of Kenya’s animal feed market by the end of 2025, up from its current 2% share in the poultry, swine, and ruminant segments.
This growth is expected to support farmers by providing consistent, high-quality feed, potentially reducing production costs and improving yields for meat, eggs, and milk.
The facility will adhere to international standards, such as ISO 22000, and focus on sustainability, including the use of locally sourced raw materials to support rural farmers.
Marketing Strategy
De Heus’s expansion in Kenya is part of a broader strategy that includes new plants in Uganda and India, indicating a regional focus on Africa and Asia.
In Kenya, the company already operates over 25 distribution shops and delivers training to farmers, strengthening its presence.
The new plant will enhance this network, ensuring better access to feed and technical support for livestock farmers.
The investment is particularly timely given the challenges faced by Kenyan farmers, such as unpredictable feed costs and inconsistent macronutrient levels in available concentrates.
De Heus’s state-of-the-art facility aims to address these issues, supporting farmers like Joyce Otela, who transitioned to poultry farming and faced production cost challenges.
Going the extra mile for the farmer
Beyond delivering high-quality animal feed, De Heus Kenya is supporting Kenyan farmers through targeted training programs and sustainable agricultural practices.
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De Heus specialists will work closely with farmers, offering expert advice on nutritional strategies to optimize animal health and production.
These initiatives focus on advanced nutrition, disease management, and farm efficiency, equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to optimize production and profitability.
This hands-on approach is part of De Heus’s “Powering Progress” mission, aiming to elevate livestock farming standards in Kenya.
The Dutch-Kenya partnership has played a pivotal role in driving trade, investment, and innovation, strengthening food security while empowering farmers with reliable, high-quality nutrition solutions.
With De Heus Kenya now a key player in the market, farmers can embrace a future of consistency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
This is more than just business; it is a revolution in farming, ensuring that Kenyan farmers have the tools and support to build resilient, prosperous agricultural enterprises into the future.
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