Kenchic at 40: From a small operation to the leading name in poultry production in Kenya

Founded in 1984, Kenchic has become Kenya’s leading producer of high-quality poultry products. Over the past 40 years, it has consistently set the standard for excellence in the industry, pioneering advancements in biosafety, ethical farming, and product innovation.

Kenchic’s commitment to sustainability, quality, and local partnerships has played a key role in shaping Kenya’s poultry industry.

Says the firm’s Managing Director, Mr Jim Tozer: “As we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the achievements that have made Kenchic a trusted brand for millions of consumers and look forward to an exciting future of continued growth and innovation.”

Kenchic has evolved from a small operation to the leading name in poultry production in Kenya. But, as the MD acknowledges, “we haven’t done this alone. Our success is built on the dedication of our employees, farmers, our partners and on the trust of millions of Kenyan families who choose Kenchic products for their tables.”

He adds that the firm’s purpose has always been about more than just producing quality products. It’s about creating shared prosperity—ensuring that everyone, from the smallest farmer to the largest retailer, benefits from Kenchic’s success.

Poultry farming in Kenya is a substantial contributor to the local economy, in terms of both output and employment (direct and indirect).

Kenchic sources its inputs locally, including feed, and these inputs support numerous secondary sector players like agricultural firms and service providers, including transporters and veterinarians.

Kenchic directly employs over 1,000 staff across various roles within the company, contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth.

The firm is committed to the communities where it operates and, as Mr Tozer asserts, “we hold ourselves accountable for fulfilling our promises to over 30,000 small to large scale commercial farmers we directly work with, as well as the entire poultry ecosystem”.

A key beneficiary of Kenchic’s products is the consumer who is on the lookout for nutritious, safe animal products.

With the average daily protein intake in Kenya at around 57 grammes per person – well below the global average of 70 grams – Kenchic is dedicated to bridging this gap by promoting chicken as a nutrient-dense and affordable source of animal protein.

Kenchic continues to play a pivotal role in the quest to promote adequate nutritional intake by providing high-quality, safe, and affordable poultry products that are a key source of essential nutrients for millions of Kenyans.

In addition, Kenchic actively educates consumers about the benefits of including poultry in their diets, further reinforcing our dedication to national health initiatives aimed at enhancing the nutritional well-being of individuals and communities. Mr Tozer says Kenchic’s focus will remain consistently delivering high-quality products while fostering growth and strengthening collaboration with our partners.

“Moving forward, we are dedicated to raising industry standards, setting new benchmarks for excellence, and prioritising consumer and farmer education,” he says.

Mr Tozer adds that sustainability drives Kenchic’s business.

He explains: “Our responsibility extends to safeguarding the environment for our planet’s future. We infuse sustainable practices across our value chain, benefiting both nature and our economic objectives. These initiatives include adopting renewable energy sources, such as solar power at our facilities, treating wastewater, and educating our employees on energy efficiency and waste reduction.”

Mr Tozer says whereas the company is proud of the progress, “we recognise that there is more work ahead, and we are committed to leading the way in sustainable food production for the future.”

A complete package of mouth-watering stories about Kenchic’s product development, innovation and vision, can be downloaded here.