Feed manufacturers eye contract farming to end raw material shortages

By Nicholas Waitathu

Animal feed manufacturers are seeking to partner with maize farmers through contract farming as part of efforts to address persistent shortages of key raw materials that have constrained commercial feed production in Kenya.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA), aims to secure reliable supplies of maize and other critical feed ingredients while providing farmers with guaranteed markets for their produce.

Speaking ahead of the AKEFEMA Feeds Exhibition and Conference (AFEC) 2026 in Nairobi, AKEFEMA Chairperson Joseph Karuri said inadequate access to raw materials continues to limit the industry’s ability to meet the country’s growing demand for commercial animal feed.

“Currently, we are not able to produce enough commercial feed for the country’s livestock largely due to lack of key raw materials,” Karuri said.

He noted that the industry currently produces about 2.5 million metric tonnes of animal feed annually, representing just over 60 per cent of the country’s installed production capacity of four million metric tonnes.

Under the proposed contract farming model, feed manufacturers will enter into structured supply agreements with maize growers to ensure consistent access to locally produced raw materials while guaranteeing farmers a ready market.

Karuri said the initiative will complement government efforts to revitalise agriculture, including plans to lease idle land owned by State corporations such as the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) for increased crop production.

He added that the industry is also working with researchers to promote the cultivation of yellow maize, a key ingredient in commercial animal feed.

“We are seeking support from researchers to enable farmers to grow yellow maize, which is a key component of raw materials. We are optimistic that government initiatives in edible oils, cotton and soybean farming will also increase the production of ingredients such as cotton cake and sunflower, which are important protein sources in animal feeds,” he said.

Karuri said increased investment in quality animal feed production will be critical in boosting livestock productivity, strengthening food security and transforming Kenya’s agricultural sector, particularly as the country’s population is projected to exceed 100 million by 2050.

The raw material challenge is expected to dominate discussions during the two-day AFEC 2026 conference, where more than 200 local and international feed manufacturers will deliberate on strategies to strengthen the animal feed value chain, enhance investment and improve sustainability.

AKEFEMA Chief Executive Officer Paul Kamau said the conference will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to learn from leading international experts in animal nutrition, feed manufacturing and food systems.

“The conference will help us discover global trends shaping animal nutrition, feed manufacturing and food systems, build strategic partnerships with industry leaders from around the world, and explore innovative products, technologies and solutions from exhibitors,” Kamau said.

He noted that Africa’s growing population, expanding middle class and rising demand for livestock products present enormous opportunities for the feed industry but require adoption of modern technologies, improved feed manufacturing systems and biotechnology to increase productivity.

Karuri said a vibrant feed manufacturing industry remains the backbone of livestock production, noting that quality feeds improve milk, meat, egg and fish production, raise farmers’ incomes, create jobs and contribute to national economic growth.

However, he cautioned that the sector continues to grapple with challenges including climate change, rising production costs, global supply chain disruptions, shortages of raw materials and the need to strengthen quality assurance systems to support sustainable growth.