07/10/2026
Day 2 of FoodPro East Africa 2026 brought the conversation closer to the factory floor and the farm gate, with practical insights on technology, quality and the linkages between agriculture and industry.
As the Knowledge Partner for the event, Odoo hosted a session on how integrated business management systems can help manufacturers streamline operations, improve visibility and make better-informed decisions by connecting finance, inventory, procurement, sales and production on one platform.
From systems, the focus shifted to the production line, where Mr. Jesse Kamau, Business Line Manager, Oil-Free Air Division, Atlas Copco East Africa, spoke on the role of compressed air quality in modern manufacturing. He highlighted how the right air quality solutions can support reliable production, protect equipment and maintain product quality, while showcasing practical tools such as quality air audits to help manufacturers optimise compressed air systems and improve efficiency.
The conversation then moved to the farm gate, with a panel on Agriculture-Industry Linkages bringing together Mr. Genesio Mugo, Chairman, Kenya Dairy Board; Mr. Brian Lanton, Director, Cape Food Ingredients Ltd; and Mr. George Waithaka, Ag. Chief Manager, Sales & Marketing, New KCC Limited.
Speaking during the panel, Mr. Mugo outlined key priorities for growing Kenya’s dairy industry, including a predictable supply of quality raw milk and a national quality-based milk payment system to replace payment by volume. He noted that rewarding quality would strengthen the dairy value chain, improve milk standards and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in export markets. He also called for stronger market development, affordable and reliable animal feed supplies, and improved governance within dairy cooperatives.
On value addition, Mr. Lanton highlighted the growing opportunities across the dairy value chain, while cautioning that unfavorable policies and rising input costs could undermine investment and innovation. He cited the recent increase in excise duty on industrial sugar from KES 7.50 to KES 40 per kilogram, noting that sugar is a key input in products such as yoghurt, cheese and ice cream, and that higher production costs ultimately affect consumers.
Mr. Waithaka emphasized that Kenya’s dairy sector has significant potential to grow both locally and in export markets, but unlocking this opportunity requires a stronger and more competitive value chain. From a processor’s perspective, he pointed to the need for a reliable supply of quality milk and greater support for farmers to improve productivity and consistently meet the standards demanded by processors and international markets. Strengthening these linkages, he noted, can raise farmer incomes, expand local value addition and position Kenya to capture greater opportunities in regional and global markets.
FoodPro East Africa 2026 continues tomorrow, bringing together industry players, innovators and partners to drive conversations around technology, value addition, investment and the future of food processing in the region.
