Kenchic Ltd., the leading poultry producer in Africa, is proud to announce its recognition by the International Poultry Council (IPC) as the first African organization to successfully adopt the council’s antimicrobial stewardship principles. This milestone achievement showcases Kenchic’s unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and responsible poultry production.
The IPC announced Kenchic Ltd. alongside eighteen other private-sector organizations which had recognized the importance of responsible antimicrobial use and endorsed the council’s antimicrobial use stewardship principles. These principles were advanced within Transformational Strategies for Farm Output Risk Mitigation (TRANSFORM), a USAID-funded activity led by Cargill, to avoid the need for use of antimicrobials, yet when needed, ensure they are used according to stewardship principles.
“This recognition is a testament to our long-standing commitment to sustainable practices and responsible poultry production. Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern, and we’re proud to join hands with seven other global organizations to combat this pandemic. Our goal is to contribute to a safer, healthier food supply chain for our consumers,” said Jim Tozer, Managing Director at Kenchic Ltd.
The international leaders from Kenya, Brazil, Italy, India, Thailand, Vietnam and Colombia, representing over 30% percent of the global broiler production, include six associations and two companies, and together they represent a collective effort in reducing reliance on antimicrobials globally.
Kenchic’s commitment to responsible practices complements the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development through the National Antimicrobial Stewardship Interagency Committee (NASIC) in combating AMR, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for shared health objectives.
Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary, State Department for Livestock said: “AMR is one of the most critical challenges facing our world today. It is a complex issue that jeopardizes our ability to treat common infections and puts at risk the progress made in modern medicine and hence requires coordinated multisectoral efforts at a national and global level.
He added: “In celebrating Kenchic’s achievement, we also acknowledge the broader significance of their efforts. By leading the way in antimicrobial stewardship, Kenchic sets an example for the entire livestock industry. I encourage other stakeholders to follow suit.”
The company’s growth has been underpinned by a strong belief in the interconnectedness of various aspects of poultry production, such as animal welfare, food safety, productivity, and consumer preferences. These principles have guided Kenchic’s journey towards responsible and sustainable poultry production.
Annie Kneedler, Chief of Party at USAID TRANSFORM Cargill, also shared her thoughts on Kenchic’s recognition saying: “Kenchic’s dedication to responsible poultry production is commendable. Their commitment to sustainable practices and food safety aligns with the objectives of the TRANSFORM Cargill program. We are proud to be associated with Kenchic and support their vision for a safer and more sustainable poultry industry.”
Established in 1984, Kenchic Ltd. has come a long way from its origins as a producer of day-old chicks to becoming a leading supplier of a wide range of processed chicken meat and further processed chicken products in Africa.
The company’s mission which is to enable shared prosperity through sustainable food production, aligns perfectly with the company’s vision of becoming the “food partner of choice.” The recognition by the International Poultry Council underscores Kenchic’s dedication to delivering the highest quality products to consumers while exceeding international and national standards, particularly in antimicrobial usage practices.