KBC Channel 1

Tag: KENCHIC

  • World Veterinary Day: The power of a strong team in animal health

    World Veterinary Day: The power of a strong team in animal health

    Each year, World Veterinary Day reminds us of the vital but often invisible role veterinarians play in protecting not only animal health, but also human wellbeing, livelihoods, and food security.

    This year’s theme, “Animal Health Takes a Team”, sheds light on a profound truth: animal care is not a singular affair It is a coordinated effort built on trust, science, and collaboration across disciplines.

    Veterinarians are frequently seen through a narrow lens, as the “animal doctors” who step in when things go wrong. But in truth, they are much more. They are epidemiologists, researchers, public health defenders, educators, and architects of sustainable food systems. In wildlife reserves, they conserve biodiversity. In urban centers, they ensure companion animals thrive. And in agriculture, they play a crucial role in shaping safer, healthier, and more productive livestock systems. The stakes are high.

    According to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), 60% of known human infectious diseases are zoonotic, and 75% of emerging pathogens originate from animals. These figures are not just statistics, they are a call to action. From managing outbreaks like Rift Valley fever to monitoring antimicrobial resistance, veterinarians are on the frontlines of preventing global health crises.

    In Kenya, livestock sits at the heart of food systems and rural livelihoods. Over 60% of rural households depend on livestock, with poultry farming playing a crucial role in both nutrition and income generation. But healthy flocks don’t just happen. They are the result of an intricate dance involving farmers, technical teams, veterinary professionals, researchers, and regulators.

    More than problem-solvers, veterinarians are proactive partners, facilitating sustainable practices, ensuring compliance with welfare and food safety standards, and providing the link between scientific innovation and real-world farming challenges. Their work underpins public health and consumer confidence in the food we eat.

    A holistic, team-based approach to animal health is essential across every sector and in the poultry industry, Kenchic exemplifies this model in action. Veterinarians are not seen merely as caregivers, but as vital partners involved at every stage of the value chain. From hatchery to post-production, their expertise is integrated alongside farmers, technical teams, and both local and global institutions to embed animal health into every layer of production.

    This collaboration ensures healthier flocks, better livelihoods for farmers, and safer food systems for consumers. Since their input begins long before a chick hatches, shaping decisions on biosecurity, nutrition, vaccination, and housing prevents disease and reduces antibiotic use. According to the Kenya Veterinary Association, such veterinary interventions can lower animal mortality by up to 40% and increase farm productivity by over 30%, clear evidence of the power of prevention and teamwork.

    To truly honor the profession, we must also invest in its future, supporting veterinary education, strengthening animal health policies, and ensuring that vets have the resources and recognition they need. This isn’t just about caring for animals; it’s about protecting livelihoods, preventing pandemics, and feeding nations. As we mark World Veterinary Day, let’s move beyond token appreciation and embrace a fundamental truth, there is no health without animal health and no animal health without a team.

     

  • Ensuring food safety in poultry production

    Ensuring food safety in poultry production

    Poultry, particularly chicken, is a beloved source of protein worldwide, enjoyed in countless culinary preparations across the globe.

    However, maintaining its safety is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria such as Salmonella. As a microbiologist in the poultry industry, I often emphasize the importance of food safety, a critical concern for both consumers and producers. Ensuring public health in this context is an ever-evolving challenge, given the constantly changing nature of food safety threats.

    To promote public health, the poultry industry is subject to stringent regulations from various regulatory bodies.

    At Kenchic, we implement several measures to ensure food safety throughout the farm-to-fork process. Key among these is maintaining strict biosecurity at all stages. This includes rigorous sanitation procedures for equipment, vehicles, and workers’ boots and clothing. Proper record-keeping and regular training keep our staff knowledgeable about good biosecurity practices, helping prevent the introduction of harmful microorganisms into poultry production. Healthy farming practices also ensure that our birds are less likely to carry harmful bacteria.

    Kenchic employs Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems, an internationally recognized accreditation. HACCP is a systematic approach to identifying and preventing potential food safety hazards in the processing of poultry and poultry products. Adhering strictly to HACCP ensures that all processes are within critical control points, which are closely monitored and regulated to promote general public health. Our products are well-packaged, with clear storage instructions provided, ensuring safe handling post-processing.

    Our Quality Control laboratory plays a crucial role in promoting food safety. As an ISO 17025-accredited microbiology laboratory, it operates across various stages of the production process. The lab performs numerous tests under health plans, food safety regulations, and other compliance requirements, ensuring we stay ahead of food safety challenges. This proactive approach reassures the public about the quality of our products and promotes good health within our flocks and day-old chicks. Our veterinary experts support the team and the entire company, working closely with the laboratory, farms, farmers, the processing plant, and various regulatory bodies to ensure food safety.

    Food safety is everyone’s responsibility. By understanding the risks associated with poultry and taking measures to mitigate them, everyone can continue enjoying poultry without fear of contracting foodborne illnesses.

    Dan Muranga is the Microbiologist, Kenchic PLC

  • Kenchic goes green and integrates solar power systems

    Kenchic goes green and integrates solar power systems

    In promoting the use of clean, renewable energy Kenchic has installed  a 1.32 MW grid-connected solar system at its two key factories, the Kenchic Hatchery and Kenchic Processing Plant, an  investment expected to reduce the company’s electricity expenses by 33%.

    With 1,550 MWh of energy generated, the solar project, which is intended to run throughout the day, is expected to offset a significant amount of Kenchic’s energy needs.

    “As we mark the successful completion of this groundbreaking solar power integration project, Kenchic reaffirms its dedication to sustainability and eco-friendly operations.
    This initiative is not merely a technological advancement but a commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and set new standards for responsible business practices.

    The solar project aligns seamlessly with our mission to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, making us a leader in the pursuit of a greener future for Kenya,” said Jim Tozer, Managing Director at Kenchic Ltd.

    Charles Ngare, General Manager at Chloride Exide Ltd., said they are proud of the initiative to share Kenchic’s vision.

    “Our collaboration with Kenchic on this solar integration project underscores Chloride Exide’s commitment to providing innovative energy solutions that drive sustainable development. We are proud to bring our expertise in energy systems to complement Kenchic’s vision. This project is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and the impact that can be achieved when organisations unite to address environmental challenges.

    Together, we illuminate the path to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Kenya, and we are proud to be associated with Kenchic and support their vision for a safer and more sustainable poultry industry.”

    As part of its efforts to become a leader in sustainability and to fulfil SDG Goal 12, “Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns,” Kenchic wants to further establish itself as a leader in environmentally friendly business practices.

    With the solar power integration project, Kenchic is demonstrating its dedication to lowering its carbon footprint and making Kenya a greener, more ecologically conscious country.

    Kenchic plans to save a significant amount of money on its operational procedures by installing a grid-tie solar power system, demonstrating its dedication to innovation for both cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

    The project highlights the organisations’ common goal of promoting good environmental effect and assisting in the development of a more resilient and sustainable future.

  • Kenchic Ltd acknowledged by International Poultry Council for pioneering responsible poultry practices

    Kenchic Ltd acknowledged by International Poultry Council for pioneering responsible poultry practices

    The International chicken Council (IPC) has recognised Kenchic Ltd , top chicken producer in Africa, as the first African business to successfully implement the council’s antimicrobial stewardship standards.

    This significant accomplishment demonstrates Kenchic’s steadfast dedication to environmentally friendly methods and ethical chicken farming.

    Kenchic Ltd was announced by the IPC along with eighteen other private sector companies that agreed with the council’s antimicrobial use stewardship standards and acknowledged the significance of responsible antimicrobial use.

    These ideas were developed as part of the USAID-funded Transformational Strategies for Farm Output Risk Mitigation (TRANSFORM), an initiative headed by Cargill, to prevent the need for antimicrobial usage and, in the event that it is necessary, make sure it is done so in accordance with stewardship principles.

    This acknowledgment is proof of our steadfast dedication to ethical chicken farming and sustainable methods. We are glad to be working together with seven other international institutions to fight the pandemic of antibiotic resistance, which is a global concern.

    Jim Tozer, Managing Director of Kenchic Ltd., stated, “Our objective is to contribute to a safer, healthier food supply chain for our consumers.”

    Six groups and two corporations, representing over 30% of the world’s grill output, have joined forces to limit the use of antibiotics worldwide. The leaders are from Kenya, Brazil, Italy, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Colombia.

    Through the National Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme, Kenchic’s dedication to ethical business practices supports the initiatives of the Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Livestock Development.

    In the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Kenchic’s dedication to ethical behaviour supports the work of the Ministries of Health and Agriculture and Livestock Development via the National Antimicrobial Stewardship Interagency Committee (NASIC). This highlights the value of cooperation for common health goals.

    One of the most important issues facing our globe today is AMR, according to Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary, State Department for Livestock.

    Due to the complexity of the problem, which jeopardises our ability to cure common infections and threatens the advancements made in contemporary medicine, coordinated multisectoral actions at the national and international levels are necessary.

    “We acknowledge the broader significance of Kenchic’s efforts in addition to celebrating their achievement,” he continued. Kenchic sets an example for the entire industry by being at the forefront of antimicrobial stewardship.

    “We acknowledge the broader significance of Kenchic’s efforts in addition to celebrating their achievement,” he continued. Kenchic sets an example for the entire livestock business by being at the forefront of antimicrobial stewardship. I urge further interested parties to do the same.

    A firm conviction in the interdependence of numerous facets of chicken production, including animal welfare, food safety, productivity, and consumer preferences, has served as the foundation for the company’s expansion.

    Kenchic’s journey towards ethical and sustainable chicken production has been steered by these values.

    “Kenchic’s dedication to responsible poultry production is commendable,” said Annie Kneedler, Chief of Party at USAID transform Cargill, in response to Kenchic’s commendation.

    They share the goals of the transform Cargill programme in their dedication to sustainable practises and food safety.