KENYA – Kenchic, a leading poultry producer in Kenya, has earned recognition from the International Poultry Council (IPC) as the first African organization to adopt the council’s antimicrobial stewardship principles successfully.
The IPC acknowledged Kenchic Ltd. alongside eighteen other private-sector organizations that endorsed the council’s antimicrobial use stewardship principles.
These principles, advanced within the Transformational Strategies for Farm Output Risk Mitigation (TRANSFORM), a USAID-funded activity led by Cargill, aim to reduce reliance on antimicrobials globally while ensuring responsible use when necessary.
Jim Tozer, Managing Director at Kenchic Ltd., expressed pride in the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and responsible poultry production.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing antimicrobial resistance and contributing to a safer and healthier food supply chain for consumers.
“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,” Jim Tozer said.
“Our goal is to contribute to a safer, healthier food supply chain for our consumers.”
The company emphasized its commitment to responsible practices and its contribution to combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), aligning with the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in Kenya.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global concern, as described by the World Health Organization, where bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve over time, rendering medicines ineffective and increasing the risk of disease spread and severe health consequences.
Jonathan Mueke, the Principal Secretary of, the State Department for Livestock, commended Kenchic for leading the way in antimicrobial stewardship, setting an example for the entire livestock industry.
He emphasized the complexity of AMR as a critical global challenge that requires coordinated multisectoral efforts at national and global levels.
Annie Kneedler, Chief of Party at USAID TRANSFORM Cargill, also congratulated Kenchic for its dedication to responsible poultry production, aligning with the objectives of the TRANSFORM Cargill program.
She expressed pride in the association with Kenchic and the shared vision for a safer and more sustainable poultry industry.
The international leaders recognized by the IPC, hailing from Kenya, Brazil, Italy, India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Colombia, represent over 30% of global broiler production.
The collective effort involved six associations and two companies, demonstrating a shared commitment to reducing reliance on antimicrobials.
