Kenya partners with South African agribusiness investor to boost poultry production

The partnership inked on Monday saw the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), South Africa’s Truth Black Agri House Group and Kenya's Nouvelle Blooms Ltd agree on increasing annual eggs production to cure the high demand.

Kenya currently produces about 4 billion eggs against a national demand of 9 billion, leaving a gap of 5 billion that is largely filled through imports. 

Speaking during a joint meeting in Nairobi, KNCCI National Director Ken Onditi urged the government to waive taxes on poultry feed production and agricultural machinery to lower the cost of production and attract more investors.

“Government does not do business; its role is to create an enabling environment for those who do. Waiving taxes and offering incentives will allow investors to focus on production, value addition, and food security,” said Onditi.

According to Ellen Muthama, Director of Nouvelle Blooms Ltd, the shortfall presents “a golden opportunity for investors to substitute imports, create jobs for the youth, and introduce modern poultry production technologies for both eggs and meat.”

Nouvelle Blooms Ltd, which facilitates agricultural investment and exports premium produce such as flowers, tea, and coffee, is helping investors access over 1.8 million acres of government land under the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) for large-scale farming—particularly for feed crops like yellow maize and soya beans that are critical for poultry feed formulation.

On her part, Truth Black Agri House Group CEO Megan Wilson said their team of large-scale farmers, specialists, and investors is eager to bring South Africa’s successful poultry production model to Kenya.

“The gap that exists in Kenya is one we are eager to fill so that the country becomes a net exporter rather than importer of poultry products,” she noted, adding that the collaboration will also enhance knowledge transfer and technology adoption across the poultry value chain.

Ellen Muthama added that such partnerships should go beyond production, calling on the foreign investors to also support market linkages for Kenyan exports, including fresh-cut flowers, tea, and coffee.

“This partnership marks a milestone in South-South agricultural cooperation and aligns perfectly with Kenya’s goal of achieving food and nutrition security through science-based, private-sector-driven growth,” she said.