Global certification body SGS grants Kenchic Limited FSSC 22000 certification

KENYA – Kenchic Limited, leading producer of poultry in East and Central Africa region has once again received the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 from the global certification body SGS.

The FSSC 22000 certification allows Kenchic’s chicken processing plant to produce quality, safe & nutritious chicken for both local & international markets.

The poultry processor attained its first FSSC 22000 certification in 2011 and has since been renewing it after undergoing a series of stringent food safety tests and audits, a testament to its implementation of the most robust food safety management system in its operations.

“We see it as an essential component in our service delivery to all our customers and in particular to major branded food companies and retailers. Kenchic products are all Halal certified by the Muslim Council of Kenya.

“In addition, Kenchic is current and compliant with the recommendations and requirements of all local statutory and regulatory bodies including NEMA, KEBS, OHS and Good Veterinary Practices,” states the company.

Since its inception, the company’s main activity has been the production of broiler, Kenbro and layer day old chicks. Over the years it has expanded its operations to include processed chicken and other products such as smoked, choma and chicken sausages sold under the Kenchic brand.

The poultry firm avails its products via leading retailers and also serves international franchises like Steers, Galitos, and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), who order whole chicken, thighs, drumsticks and wings, alongside leading hotels and fast-food restaurants across the country.

Kenchic automates operations

Kenchic, recently opened its US$3.5 million, fully automated processing plant with a capacity to handle 6,000 birds per hour, as well as to supply the market with 60 tonnes of further processed products e.g. sausages and cold cuts per week.

Establishment of the Thika plant was aimed to feed increased demand for the local and export markets such as Uganda and Tanzania, complementing production at its other Limuru based processing facility.

The new plant has a fully automated evisceration line using the latest technology in poultry pulling, water chilled cooling.

They have also installed a 3,000 birds an hour automated cut up line, with an automated bird grading system and the latest in blast freezing technology to ensure the delivering of quality frozen products at all times.

The facility is completely air cooled to protect the quality and perishability of the bird. Kenchic has also installed the latest technology in cooked sausage production and in compliance with consumer demand separated non- allergen and allergen products.

The firm’s US$ 3.5 million investment in this ultra-modern facility has elevated the Kenyan poultry production to global standards. In 2018, the company bagged the chilled and fresh food products Plant of the Year award at the Africa Food Industry Excellence Awards.