De Heus Animal Nutrition has officially unveiled what it describes as the largest feed mill in Africa, reinforcing its long-term commitment to strengthening Kenya’s agricultural sector and supporting regional growth.
The company opened the state-of-the-art animal feed plant in Athi River. The modern facility has an annual production capacity of 240,000 metric tons and represents an investment of KES 3 billion (approximately USD 23 million). The development marks a significant milestone in De Heus’s efforts to enhance livestock productivity and improve food security in the region.
Construction of the plant combined local expertise with technical support from De Heus business units across Africa. By leveraging the skills of the Kenyan workforce alongside international experience, the company has ensured strong knowledge transfer and operational excellence. The facility is equipped to produce high-quality feed tailored to the needs of poultry, pig, and cattle farmers.
De Heus’s broader expansion strategy across Africa underscores its confidence in the continent’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 investment aligns with the company’s vision of driving innovation, creating employment, and fostering regional collaboration within the agricultural value chain.
The new factory is expected to play a key role in improving access to advanced feed solutions for Kenyan farmers, enabling higher productivity, improved animal health, and enhanced competitiveness within the livestock sector.
Co de Heus, Chairman of the Board of De Heus Animal Nutrition, emphasised the company’s focus on sustainable, locally driven growth. He said the new facility reflects the company’s mission to empower farmers by combining global expertise with a deep understanding of local needs, ultimately supporting greater productivity and long-term prosperity.
Wiehan Visagie, General Manager of De Heus Kenya, highlighted the project’s economic impact. The facility is expected to create 280 new direct jobs and strengthens the company’s ambition to become Kenya’s leading animal nutrition supplier. With 35 outlets nationwide and a dedicated team providing direct farmer support, De Heus aims to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness across the livestock industry.
Founded on April 28, 1911, by Hendrik Antonie de Heus as a grain and flour trading business, De Heus has grown into a global leader in animal nutrition. Today, the company produces a wide range of compound feeds, premixes, concentrates, and specialised feed solutions, maintaining a strong focus on sustainable agriculture and livestock development across Africa and beyond.