A series of practical training sessions held in Eldoret and Nairobi in January 2025 have marked important progress in insect-based farming in Kenya. Organized by Fair & Sustainable Insect Farms with the support of the Embassy of the Netherlands and Dutch company NGN Products, these sessions introduced a groundbreaking semi-moist processing technique for Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae—a game-changer for mid-scale insect farmers in the country.
Beeld: © Fair & Sustainable
High farmer interest and successful turnout
All members of the Kenyan Association of Insect Farmers and Its Products (AIFIP) were invited, and interest exceeded expectations. Ultimately, 13 and 20 farmers attended in Eldoret and Nairobi respectively. The high engagement and enthusiasm showed the sector's readiness for innovation.
Beeld: © Fair & Sustainable
What makes semi-moist feed processing so important?
Most BSF farmers in Kenya face a common challenge: traditional drying of larvae is expensive, time-consuming, and reliant on costly equipment. The new semi-moist processing method—developed by NGN Products—solves this problem by skipping the drying process entirely.
Instead, BSF larvae are processed into a nutrient-rich, semi-moist feed that retains higher moisture (up to 20%) and remains shelf-stable for up to nine months thanks to a special acid blend. This feed is especially suitable for young animals and can be used directly by chicken farmers or sold through agro-vet stores.
Even better: setting up a semi-moist processing unit requires only a blender, mixer, and pelletizer—much more affordable than traditional dryers. Equipment size can be tailored to match the scale of the farm.
Training: from theory to hands-on practice
The training sessions organized by Fair & Sustainable Insect Farms were structured to be both informative and practical:
- Theory modules covered hygiene, contamination risks, raw material quality, and facility setup.
- Live demonstrations walked participants through the full process—from larvae to packaged semi-moist feed.
- NGN expert Wouter Simons addressed detailed questions on safety, quality control, and feed formulation.
Beeld: © Fair & Sustainable
Real results, immediate impact
At the end of each session, a 60 kg batch of semi-moist chicken feed was produced—and sold out immediately. Farmers were quick to purchase the feed to test it on their own poultry, signaling strong market interest.
This training initiative is more than a pilot; it’s a business case in motion. With this method, farmers can reduce production costs, improve feed quality, and access new markets.
What’s next?
Based on the strong response, Fair & Sustainable Insect Farms will continue to offer trainings at their Eldoret farm on demand over the coming months. Farmers interested in participating or adopting this technology are encouraged to reach out and book a session.
Beeld: © Fair & Sustainable
This initiative was made possible through close collaboration between Fair & Sustainable Insect Farms, NGN Products, the Kenyan Association of Insect Farmers and Its Products (AIFIP), and with vital support from the Embassy of the Netherlands and RVO. It stands as a shining example of how international cooperation and innovation can unlock new opportunities for Kenyan agriculture.
For more information:
Fair & Sustainable:
- Everlyne Nekesa Songoi: fsif-nekesa@outlook.com
- Wilfried Schasfoort: wilfried.schasfoort@fairandsustainable.org
For more information on this subject or in case of questions for the Agricultural Counsellor, feel free to contact us via NAI-LVVN@minbuza.nl .
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