Kenchic Reinforces Commitment to Food Safety, Traceability, and Animal Welfare
- Kenchic can trace any chicken sold back to its grandparents flock from the farm to your family
Brenda Njeri Njagi, Factory Manager and Food Safety Lead at Kenchic’s K-K Processing Plant, outlined the company’s robust food safety protocols, traceability mechanisms, and commitment to animal welfare reaffirming its position as Kenya’s poultry brand of choice.
Njagi emphasized Kenchic’s globally recognized certifications, including Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) and Halal certification, which reflect the company’s compliance with the highest international standards.
“We are audited annually by SGS for FSSC and by the Kenya Bureau of Halal Certification for Halal standards,” she said, highlighting Kenchic’s inclusive approach to serving all communities, including the Muslim population.
Beyond certifications, Njagi underscored the central role of employee training in building a food safety culture. Staff across the production chain from breeder farms to processing and delivery are regularly trained to internalize and apply Kenchic’s food safety protocols. She further noted that customer feedback is addressed within 48 hours, sometimes involving on-site visits to resolve concerns and implement corrective measures transparently.
A notable advancement is Kenchic’s end-to-end traceability system. “From the farm to your family we can trace any chicken sold back to its grandparent flock,” Njagi stated. This capability allows Kenchic to pinpoint and address food safety issues swiftly and comprehensively.
Kenchic is also leading efforts to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global concern. The company adheres to stringent antibiotic regulations and promotes awareness of the dangers associated with excessive antibiotic use in food production. “We are pushing for responsible antimicrobial use to protect public health,” Njagi added.
Animal welfare also features prominently in Kenchic’s operations. The company is globally certified for animal welfare and ensures humane conditions from rearing to slaughter.
Facilities include well-ventilated shelters, enrichment tools such as perches and toys, and clean water access. Even transportation methods and slaughter practices are tailored to minimize stress and simulate a natural environment for the chickens.
Kenchic also carries out monthly microbiological testing to ensure its products meet safety standards throughout their shelf life. “It’s critical to validate that the food we provide is safe all the way to the consumer’s plate,” said Njagi.
Kenchic Upholds Rigorous Veterinary Oversight to Guarantee Food Safety and Combat AMR
Dr. Ronald O’Kindo, the Government veterinary officer in charge of inspections at Kenchic, has reaffirmed the company’s steadfast commitment to food safety through a multi-layered process that begins at the farm and extends all the way to retail shelves. Each bird is accompanied by a certified movement permit after a veterinarian confirms its health at the source.
Upon arrival at the processing plant, both ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections are conducted to ensure the chicken is disease-free and safe for human consumption. The meat is then transported under strict cold chain conditions, with certified transport documentation to maintain traceability and prevent contamination.
Beyond the plant, Kenchic’s safety checks extend into supermarkets, where government veterinarians like Dr. O’Kindo randomly inspect products and verify permits.
He urged consumers to take personal responsibility by asking for transport certificates, which are traceable documents proving meat has been inspected and approved. Stressing the dangers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Dr. O’Kindo warned against buying unregulated chicken, noting that antibiotic misuse in animal rearing is fueling a public health crisis.
He rated Kenchic’s compliance at 9.8 out of 10, citing regular farm audits, adherence to local and international standards, and transparent practices as pillars of the company’s exemplary food safety record.
The company is currently championing a public-awareness campaign with the slogan “Ask What You Eat.” With a rising shift toward white meat and growing concerns around lifestyle diseases, Kenchic aims to be not just a poultry supplier but a trusted food partner for Kenyan households.
By Sharon Atieno
