AKEFEMA holds successful Feeds Exhibition and Conference in Nairobi

KENYA – The inaugural AKEFEMA Feeds Exhibition and Conference, held from July 17th to 18th 2024 at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, was a resounding success, drawing substantial attention from industry stakeholders across the region. 

The event, officially opened by Kenya’s Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke, served as a pivotal platform for addressing critical issues in the animal feed sector and showcasing advancements in feed manufacturing.

With 68 booths occupied by 51 companies, the exhibition area buzzed with activity, offering a comprehensive look at the latest innovations and technologies in feed production. 

The conference, organized by the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA), was themed “Resilience and Innovation in an Ever-Changing Feed Industry Landscape for Enhanced Food Security in the Region.”

Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke highlighted the country’s acute feed deficit. Kenya is grappling with an annual feed shortfall of 33 million tonnes against a requirement of approximately 55 million tonnes. 

“Kenya is facing an annual feed deficit of 33 million tonnes, with a current supply covering only 40% of the required 55 million tonnes,” he said.

In his opening address, PS Mueke highlighted the feed sector’s critical issues, including:

– A lack of raw materials and limited availability of new feed protein sources.

– Non-optimal transport, storage, production, and application practices.

– Insufficient feed quality testing facilities.

These issues affect feed production and farmers. Mueke pointed out that many farmers need to be made aware of the benefits of high-quality feed, often mixing their feed or using poor storage practices.

Despite its initial cost, he stressed that high-quality feed is ultimately more economical and beneficial than substandard alternatives.

Furthermore, Mueke addressed the constraints in the Kenyan forage sector, such as limited access to improved forage seeds, reliance on rain for forage production, and the need for better inclusion of quality forages in animal rations. 

He noted that dairy cows are often fed just enough to maintain body functions, leading to the use of expensive concentrates alongside low-quality forages. 

Another significant issue highlighted was the prevalence of substandard feed products among the over 300 feed manufacturers in the country. Mueke condemned the negative impact of such products on the industry, which results in high prices and poor production returns for consumers.

The conference featured a dinner on the second day at Greenspot Gardens in Ruiru, providing a valuable opportunity for further networking among delegates and exhibitors. 

Over 50 exhibitors from around the globe showcased their innovations, demonstrating how advancements in feed technology can lead to producing high-quality feeds at lower costs. This, in turn, is expected to benefit farmers by reducing the cost of eggs, milk, and meat for consumers.

Joseph Karuri, Chairman of AKEFEMA, expressed his satisfaction with the event and highlighted that the knowledge gained would help enhance efficiency and address the feed industry’s challenges.

“More than 500 delegates from across the region participated, and the exhibition provided a platform for learning about the latest technologies in feed manufacturing,” he said. 

Looking ahead, AKEFEMA has announced that the next conference will be held in July 2026. The 2024 event underscored the importance of resilience and innovation in the animal feed sector, aiming to improve food security and drive the industry towards a more sustainable and efficient future.

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