Weetabix East Africa is investing Sh200 million in upgrading its Nairobi production facility as part of a broader strategy to penetrate the European and American markets. This move marks a significant milestone for the brand, which aims to meet the high food safety and quality standards required for Western exports.
According to Weetabix East Africa CEO Dominic Kimani, the upgrade, which commenced in April 2024, is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The initiative focuses on enhancing the factory’s hygiene, traceability, and contamination prevention measures, ensuring compliance with global food safety certifications.
Currently, the Nairobi plant serves key regional markets, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Sudan, Ethiopia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Seychelles. While the facility had previously exported products to China, shipments ceased following Weetabix Limited’s exit from that market.
“Part of the work is to align with global food safety standards through certifications like the Food Safety Systems Certification (FSSC 22000),” Kimani explained. “This will unlock access to European and American markets.”
Weetabix Limited, the UK-based parent company, operates four major production sites worldwide—in the UK, Canada, Nairobi, and Cape Town, South Africa. The latest Nairobi expansion signals the company’s growing ambitions beyond Africa, leveraging its strategic location to strengthen exports.
To achieve compliance, the upgrade will include decontamination protocols, enhanced factory sealing to prevent contamination, and strict traceability measures for raw materials and final products. Weetabix has already secured multiple ISO certifications for food safety and quality in regional exports but must meet additional requirements to gain access to Western markets.
With the global demand for high-quality, nutritious cereals on the rise, Weetabix’s investment in its Nairobi facility positions the brand for sustainable growth and increased market share beyond Africa.
