De Heus Animal Nutrition has unveiled what it describes as the largest animal feed mill in Africa, marking a significant milestone for Kenya’s livestock and agricultural sectors.
The company officially opened its state-of-the-art feed manufacturing facility in Athi River. The plant boasts an annual production capacity of 240,000 metric tons and represents an investment of KES 3 billion (approximately USD 23 million). The development underscores De Heus’s commitment to strengthening Kenya’s agricultural value chain and supporting regional economic growth.
The facility was constructed using a combination of local expertise and technical knowledge drawn from De Heus business units across Africa. This collaboration has enabled effective knowledge transfer, equipping the Kenyan team with the capability to consistently produce high-quality animal feed tailored to poultry, pig, and cattle farmers.
De Heus’s broader expansion strategy across the continent further reflects its confidence in Africa’s agricultural potential. Recent developments include the launch of a new aquafeed factory in Uganda and the commissioning of a second livestock feed plant in Côte d’Ivoire. The Athi River project aligns with the company’s long-term vision of driving innovation, creating employment opportunities, and fostering regional collaboration within the agricultural sector.
The investment signals strong confidence in Kenya’s economy and the growth prospects of its livestock industry. By providing farmers with access to advanced feed solutions and improved production technologies, the new facility is expected to enhance productivity, strengthen food security, and contribute to economic development.
Co de Heus, Chairman of the Board of De Heus Animal Nutrition, emphasised the company’s focus on sustainable and locally driven growth. He stated that the new factory combines global expertise with a deep understanding of local needs, enabling Kenyan farmers to improve productivity, sustainability, and long-term prosperity.
Wiehan Visagie, General Manager of De Heus Kenya, highlighted the project’s employment and sector-wide benefits. The facility will create 280 new direct jobs and supports the company’s ambition to become Kenya’s leading animal nutrition supplier. With 35 outlets nationwide and a dedicated team offering direct farmer support, De Heus aims to enhance efficiency and competitiveness across the livestock industry.
Founded on April 28, 1911, by Hendrik Antonie de Heus as a grain and flour trading enterprise, De Heus has grown into a global leader in animal nutrition. Today, the company produces a comprehensive range of compound feed, premixes, concentrates, and specialised feed solutions, maintaining a strong focus on advancing sustainable agriculture and livestock management across Africa and beyond.
