De Heus Investment in Kenya’s Livestock Industry to optimize production and profits for all value-chain actors
De Heus, a Dutch animal feed company, has established a strong presence in Kenya with support from the Embassy of the Netherlands. Through a state-of-the-art feed factory and over 25 distribution shops, De Heus Kenya delivers high-quality feed and training to farmers. It strengthens food security, supports farmers, and boosts trade, jobs, and sustainable agriculture in Kenya.
In 2021 Joyce Otela, a systems analyst begun her journey in poultry farming, after four years, she transitioned into the venture, as her main source of livelihood, carefully calculating production costs to ensure profitability. Having made her projections on the cost of production, the books made a lot of sense at the time. However, as the years went by, the cost of poultry feeds became unpredictable, with inconsistent mixed rations and macronutrients from the concentrates available in the market, making it difficult to maintain optimal production
“I started with 170 improved chicken breed, commonly known as improved kienyeji. When the chicken got to laying stage, they only met 75% laying potential. After consulting with other farmers, they advised that they should even get to 90-95% laying potential. I also experienced loss of eggs due to soft shells. This meant that my chicken were not getting a balanced mineral mix to promote good quality eggs.” – Joyce Otela, Poultry Farmer
This threatened Joyce’s business until she had a conversation with her sister, an animal nutrition expert who introduced her to De Heus Kenya.
Poultry Farming in Kenya
In Kenya, poultry farming is predominantly a small-scale endeavor, with approximately 3 million small-scale farmers managing around 50 million birds as of 2024. Chicken constitute the majority, which is about 45 million chicken. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the poultry sector contributes around 8% to Kenya's agricultural GDP, producing over 25,000 tonnes of poultry meat and 1.3 billion eggs annually
for poultry products. To meet the growing demand, farmers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of providing balanced feed rations for their animals. However, the industry faces several challenges, including fluctuating feed prices, inconsistent feed quality, disease outbreaks, and limited access to reliable markets. This growing awareness has sparked a notable shift, with more individuals treating farming as a full-time, professionally ran business, rather than a part-time activity. This professional approach has driven a rising demand for high-quality feed products. This growth is further accelerating the demand for scientifically researched, and formulated high-quality animal nutrition solutions.
De Heus presence in Kenya
In 2019, De Heus, a leading Dutch animal feed company domiciled in the Netherlands with a legacy dating back to 1911 and now in its fourth generation, embarked on a journey to assess the viability of investing in Kenya. After conducting extensive market research, the decision to establish a state of the art modern feed processing factory was clear. Kenya’s strategic location in East Africa, combined with the region’s dynamic livestock and poultry industries, makes it an ideal hub for regional growth.
By setting up a local facility, De Heus Kenya aims to provide farmers with innovative, reliable, and sustainable feed solutions tailored to their needs. To Navigate the setup journey, The Embassy of the Netherlands in Nairobi played a pivotal role in facilitating De Heus Kenya's entry into the Kenyan market by strategically connecting the company with key government ministries and ensuring alignment with investment procedures and regulations. This partnership not only strengthens De Heus Kenya’s commitment to supporting farmers, creating jobs, and enhancing food security but also reinforces the broader trade and economic ties between Kenya and the Netherlands.
The entrance of De Heus Kenya into the market presents a promising opportunity to provide farmers with consistent, high-quality feed solutions, positioning itself for a substantial market share as demand for better nutrition solutions rises across East Africa.
Just a short drive from Nairobi, in Mavoko Sub-county, Machakos County, De Heus Kenya is constructing a state-of-the-art feed factory valued at over 22 million Euros, that is poised to transform livestock nutrition in Kenya. With a production capacity exceeding 200,000 metric tonnes annually, this cutting-edge facility will set new standards in animal feed quality and efficiency. Committed to supporting local agriculture, De Heus Kenya aims to source the majority of its raw materials such as; maize, soya, and wheat products from Kenyan farmers. This initiative not only creates a reliable market for grain producers but also enhances price stability, supporting thousands of farmers with sustainable income opportunities. Beyond economic impact, this investment strengthens Kenya’s food security and agricultural resilience. By fostering local supply chains and improving feed quality, De Heus Kenya is driving a new era of productivity and profitability in the livestock sector, which is an essential pillar of the country's economy.
As construction of the factory continues, they have started to import concentrates for the Dairy, Pig, and chicken sub-sectors while collaborating with local distributors to establish shops across the country. This strategic approach has allowed De Heus Kenya to provide solutions to farmers and establish a market presence ahead of the launch of complete feed products by 2026. So far, they have over 25 dedicated shops countrywide, providing animal concentrates which are critical in balancing the feed rations for livestock. For Joyce, the availability of these concentrates has been a game changer for her business.
“Previously, out of 150 eggs collected, 60% couldn’t make it to the market because of broken shells and poor quality for fertilization. After using the De Heus KLC20 concentrate, losses were reduced to just one egg or none. It is encouraging for me to now increase my investment since I can now access these products,” Joyce adds
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. These initiatives focus on advanced nutrition, disease management, and farm efficiency, equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to optimize production and profitability. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, De Heus Kenya will strengthen the agricultural sector from the ground up. In addition, the company’s investment is set to make a significant socio-economic impact. With projections to employ at least 250 direct staff and create an additional 1,000 indirect jobs, De Heus Kenya is driving economic growth and providing meaningful opportunities for communities. This commitment to both human capital and agricultural excellence underscores De Heus Kenya’s vision for a more resilient, self-sustaining farming ecosystem where farmers thrive, livestock production flourishes, and food security is reinforced for future generations.
Joyce’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of quality animal feed and sustainable farming practices. Once challenged with inconsistent production and fluctuating income, she can now farm more productively, while she maximizes her earnings. 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.
Want to know more?
For more information this subject or in case of questions for the Agricultural Counsellor, feel free to contact us via NAI-LVVN@minbuza.nl or visit De Heus Kenya.
For the latest updates follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter (X) and/or register for our newsletter by sending an email to NAI-LVVN@minbuza.nl