Kenchic’s solar power plant to inject money into farmers pockets

Kenchic Limited will now be able to put more money into farmers’ pockets thanks to a Sh160 million solar power system.  

This follows completion of a 1.32 megawatt Grid Tie Solar Power System into its major hatchery and processing plants in partnership with Chloride Exide.

Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke said the over Sh160 million solar power innovation will help the company save on the cost of production.  

"Kenchic has been able to make savings of up to 33 per cent by going green. This means they have unlocked capital to buy more raw materials such as chicks and chicken from farmers,” Mueke said.

The PS spoke during the official handover of Kenchic's groundbreaking solar power project. 

He said the landmark initiative marks a significant stride towards sustainable practices and reduction of carbon footprints in Kenya.

“The move is in line with the Government’s bottom up economic transformation agenda. Kenchic gets 80 per cent of the chicken from small holder farmers in the country. This therefore means they can buy more chicken using the money that they have saved on electricity and put that money into the farmers’ pockets,” he said.

Mueke said the innovation touches on three important government agenda including climate action.

"By going green, Kenchic has been able to reduce their carbon footprints significantly. This is right up the Government’s agenda on reducing greenhouse gases and climate action which our President has been championing,” he said.

The PS noted that the innovation also seeks to address reduction of the cost of production.

“Kenchic is saving 33 per cent of what they used to pay for traditional power that comes from the grid. This means the cost of production has come down and this is in line with government’s agenda of lowering the cost of living. Kenchic now can sell their chicken to their customers much cheaper,” Mueke said.

The PS urged other organisations to come up with such innovations to reduce the cost of production, make goods more affordable, become more competitive even in the global economy and transform the economy and create jobs.

Kenchic managing director Jim Tozer said they have invested shy of $1 million (appx Sh160.5 million) over the last two years into the two solar projects.

“This has enabled us to reduce cost of electricity which will eventually be passed on to the consumer. It will also enable shared prosperity and sustainable food production. This will also ensure we are safe in our operations going forward,” he said.

Tozer added that they have been able to save more than Sh30 million per annum and that the initiative marks a substantial leap towards a sustainable and eco-friendly future for Kenya.

“The solar power system is designed to operate during daytime and is projected to generate an impressive 1,550 megawatts per hour of energy, offsetting a substantial portion of Kenchic's energy demands,” he said.

Tozer said the initiative is not merely a technological advancement but a commitment to reduce carbon footprints and set new standards in 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," he said.

"We have more opportunities to harness solar power for running our operations.  This is a good return on investment and besides reducing the cost of running business, it will also enhance clean energy for the future," Tozer said.

Chloride Exide general manager Charles Ngare said the project is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships and the impact that can be achieved when organizations 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," he said.