NAIROBI, Kenya- Dutch animal nutrition company De Heus has officially opened a state-of-the-art livestock feed factory in Athi River, marking a major milestone for Kenya’s agricultural sector.
The facility, representing an investment of Sh3 billion, has an annual production capacity of 240,000 metric tons and is expected to support over 60,000 farmers across the country.
Speaking at the launch, Co de Heus, Chairman of the company, emphasized that the investment reflects the firm’s long-term commitment to Africa.
“Africa is a continent with a young and growing population that needs sufficient animal proteins such as eggs, meat, and milk,” he said.
“De Heus has decided to bring capital, knowledge, and training to Kenya, to nourish future generations.”
The factory is part of the company’s plan to produce more than 2 million tons of feed products in Africa by 2030, with Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and South Africa targeted for expansion.
De Heus, which operates over 100 feed factories in 25 countries globally, specializes exclusively in animal nutrition, partnering with farmers rather than integrating farming operations.
The Athi River facility is expected to create 280 direct jobs and additional employment opportunities across logistics and supply chains.
It will also stimulate local demand for crops such as maize and soybeans, benefiting farmers supplying raw materials.
The company has 35 outlets nationwide and aims to expand access to high-quality feed to more regions, positioning Kenya as a regional hub for livestock nutrition.
De Heus praised the Kenyan government for policies supporting agricultural transformation, citing President William Ruto’s leadership and the guidance of Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke.
“We are impressed by the thoughtful policies the Kenyan government has developed to transform the agricultural sector. With this support, we are optimistic about the future development of animal husbandry in Kenya,” he said.
De Heus stressed that the company’s investment is not just about building factories but also about building capabilities among local farmers.
“We work closely with farmers, sharing technical expertise, management insights, and practical solutions, helping to unlock the full potential of Kenyan agriculture,” he added.
The company’s vision extends beyond feed production to improving efficiency and productivity across poultry, dairy, pig, sheep, goat, and beef farming, reducing costs, and boosting farmers’ incomes.
De Heus also highlighted its commitment to sustainability, technology, and innovation in supporting Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
The launch drew senior government officials, including Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti, the Dutch Ambassador to Kenya, Henk Jan Bakker, and other stakeholders in Kenya’s agricultural sector.
