Kenya Boosts Livestock Sector With New De Heus Factory
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on February 18, 2026
Kenya has commissioned a new animal feed manufacturing facility, one of the largest on the African continent. Government officials state the move is intended to double national milk production and position the country as a regional leader in livestock.
Facility Commissioning and Investment
The KSh 3 billion De Heus Animal Nutrition factory in Athi River was officially commissioned by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe. He described the investment as part of broader structural reforms within Kenya’s livestock economy. The facility has an annual production capacity of 240,000 metric tonnes.
National Production Goals
Kenya aims to double annual milk production from 5.2 billion litres to 10 billion litres and become a net exporter of live animals and meat. Achieving these goals will require a shift towards productivity per animal, supported by science-based nutrition and stronger regulatory enforcement.
Feed Industry Concerns and Government Response
The commissioning occurs amid increased scrutiny of Kenya’s feed industry. Farmers have expressed concerns regarding inconsistent feed formulations, fluctuating performance, and diluted products. The government plans to strengthen enforcement and implement a feed quality index to protect farmers. Officials emphasized the need for quality feed to meet export market standards and ensure competitiveness.
De Heus Animal Nutrition Approach
The Athi River facility integrates laboratory testing, standardized recipe formulation, automated production systems, and batch-to-batch verification to ensure consistency. De Heus focuses on animal nutrition, supporting farmers through knowledge transfer and technical services. The company currently produces approximately 16 million tons of feed annually across more than 100 factories globally.
Addressing Farmer Trust and Local Production
The decision to build the factory locally was driven by persistent industry gaps in feed reliability and farmer confidence, particularly for cattle, poultry, and pig farmers. The company aims to deliver consistent nutrition backed by laboratory testing and quality controls, alongside technical advisory services. The facility is intended to rebuild trust in the quality of feed and support the development of local food systems.
Supporting Infrastructure and Raw Materials
Government reforms are underway to support the feed industry, including the Land Commercialization Initiative, which unlocks government land for maize and soybean production. Construction of dams and planned feed reserves are also intended to expand irrigation and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture and imports.
Economic Impact and Regional Ambitions
The facility creates approximately 280 direct jobs, alongside additional indirect opportunities in logistics and supply chains. De Heus plans to serve regional markets including Uganda and Tanzania, positioning the Athi River plant as a regional hub for livestock feed production.
Industry Outlook
Analysts note that Kenya’s livestock sector contributes approximately 12 percent of GDP but faces productivity gaps. The combined efforts to improve feed standards, localize raw material production, and provide farmer support signal a shift towards efficiency and quality-driven growth.
