Athi River, Kenya — Kenya has commissioned Africa’s largest animal feed manufacturing facility in Athi River, Machakos County, in a landmark move aimed at doubling national milk production, enhancing feed standards, and strengthening the country’s position as a regional livestock powerhouse.
The KSh 3 billion facility, established by De Heus Animal Nutrition, was officially launched on Wednesday by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, who described the project as a transformative step for Kenya’s livestock sector.
“Today is not just about commissioning a factory; it is about changing and transforming Kenya’s livestock,” Kagwe said, noting that increased cow populations, improved nutrition, and better genetics will drive productivity.
The government has set an ambitious target to double annual milk production from 5.2 billion litres to 10 billion litres. Kagwe emphasized that the future of Kenya’s dairy and meat sectors lies in efficiency, quality feed, improved genetics, and proper animal nutrition.
He also announced stronger enforcement measures and the introduction of a feed quality index to protect farmers from substandard products, noting that strict feed standards are critical for accessing export markets for milk powder, meat, and live animals.
Company officials from De Heus Animal Nutrition said the Athi River facility will focus exclusively on animal nutrition while offering farmers technical support, knowledge transfer, and advisory services to improve productivity.
The company operates more than 100 facilities worldwide and produces approximately 10 million tonnes of animal feed annually.
The commissioning aligns with broader government reforms aimed at strengthening feed security and reducing reliance on imported raw materials.
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti welcomed the investment, describing it as a major boost to agro-industrial growth, youth employment, and rural economic development.
The launch also highlighted international cooperation, with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands underscoring the partnership between Kenya and Dutch investors.
Officials noted that facilities of this scale create employment opportunities, stimulate demand for local raw materials, empower youth in agribusiness, and strengthen rural economies while building investor confidence in Kenya’s agricultural value chains.
As Kenya positions itself as a regional leader in dairy and livestock production, the Athi River feed plant represents a critical step toward achieving food security, export competitiveness, and sustainable agricultural growth.
About The Author
