The intersection of profitability and sustainability is exemplified by De Heus. Statistical projections indicate that Kenya’s population is poised to reach 90 million by 2050. Ranked among Africa’s most robust emerging economies by the World Bank, Kenya’s burgeoning middle class forecasts a sustained demand for protein and other livestock products. This demand has propelled growth in the livestock sector, albeit amid mounting concerns over its environmental impact in the face of climate change.

Consequently, our team engaged in an insightful discussion with Mr. Visagie, General Manager of De Heus Animal Nutrition B.V., a prominent global manufacturer of animal feeds. The dialogue aimed to uncover the factors contributing to their success, operational procedures, prospects within the Kenyan Market, and their role in addressing climate change concerns.

As a subsidiary of Royal De Heus, De Heus Animal Nutrition recently commenced construction on a three-billion-shilling feed milling plant in Athi River, Machakos County. With over five years of presence in the Kenyan market primarily focused on concentrate sales, the company identified a significant market opportunity for full-feed solutions. Their objective is to bridge the supply deficit while ensuring high productivity with minimal environmental impact, particularly in terms of emissions.

Scheduled to commence operations in the latter half of 2025, the plant is projected to employ 280 staff at full capacity and produce 200,000 metric tonnes of feeds annually. Mr. Visagie attributes their success to the company’s extensive global knowledge and expertise in feed production, coupled with a strong partnership with farmers who serve as both suppliers of raw materials and consumers of their products. Centralized formulation teams and research farms in the Netherlands further enhance their competitive edge by ensuring product quality and adaptability to market dynamics.

Expanding into developing markets, including Ghana, South Africa, Egypt, and soon Uganda and Kenya, De Heus acknowledges challenges such as raw material shortages and inadequate meeting of demand within Kenya’s industry. However, the company is actively engaging partners to expand farmland acreage and enhance raw material production quality. Initial contracts, such as the recent agreement for 3000 tonnes of maize supply, demonstrate confidence in meeting market demands.

With substantial capital reserves to procure raw materials and prevent shortages, De Heus has invested significantly in silo construction and efficient storage facilities. Rigorous quality assurance measures, including testing every truckload of raw materials for contaminants like aflatoxin, ensure product integrity. The production process, from mixing to palletizing, is closely monitored by a team of scientists to guarantee optimal feed quality and quantity for poultry, swine, cattle, and fish.

Addressing environmental concerns, De Heus emphasizes the use of green energy sources such as solar power and biomass boilers in their operations. Research efforts are underway to identify additives that mitigate emissions from ruminants, with seaweed currently integrated into their production line for its sustainable properties. Collaborative initiatives with partners like Heineken in Ethiopia to repurpose byproducts for feed production highlight their commitment to waste reduction and diversified raw material sourcing.

In line with its commitment to sustainable practices, De Heus aims to share its global expertise with Kenyan farmers to enhance productivity and elevate living standards while positively impacting the Gross Domestic Product. Their long-term vision spans over five decades, emphasizing collaboration with local farmers to foster sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.

De Heus’s dedication to economic development alongside environmental stewardship underscores the feasibility of sustainability with supportive policies and robust research initiatives. In Kenya’s burgeoning food market, prudent investors stand to reap substantial rewards through adherence to sustainable principles and strategic partnerships