Building a business, empowering a community

In the heart of Nairobi, a young and dynamic company is quietly transforming the lives of smallholder farmers – particularly women and youth – across Kenya. FarmBase Feeds, founded in 2020 by ambitious female entrepreneur Pamela Wawira Nthiga, provides nutritional animal feed solutions tailored for poultry, dairy, and swine. In collaboration with PUM, FarmBase Feeds is on the way to become a leading force in the region. With a clear strategy and bold growth targets in place, the company is set to scale its impact further—creating lasting economic, social, and ecological value for communities across Kenya.

The company emerged from Pamela’s desire to tackle the deepening challenge of fodder shortages caused by climate change, a major hurdle for livestock farmers. Her belief in creating better quality feed not only supports animal health and productivity but also empowers local farmers to earn a more stable income. In addition Pamela is creating crucial job opportunities for young people and women in Nairobi and beyond with her growing company. Pamela: “Our staff has grown from a small team of 3 people to a team of 19 employees and we are still growing!”

The collaboration expanded even further with a trade visit to the Netherlands in 2023. This opened new avenues for collaboration with Dutch suppliers, including a formal cooperation with a fertiliser producer. Discussions are ongoing to import salt blocks from a Dutch partner in Hengelo, potentially enriching the company’s product offerings even further.

Building a recognisable brand
Recognising the importance of brand visibility and customer trust, PUM matched Pamela with marketing expert Eric van Blanken, a former FrieslandCampina professional with over two decades of experience. Together, they engaged directly with farmers and cooperatives to understand their needs and expectations. These insights culminated in a strategic three-day workshop focused on branding, storytelling, and commercial planning. From this effort, a structured marketing plan was born, setting ambitious but achievable goals: doubling the customer base by 2025 and reaching 800 farmers by 2026.

Ongoing guidance
Throughout the year, Eric continued to coach the FarmBase team online, supporting Pamela in staying focused and adapting the company’s strategy where necessary. These efforts have not only strengthened FarmBase’s growth trajectory but also deepened its commitment to economic empowerment and social progress – ensuring that the positive change driven by Pamela’s vision continues to expand throughout Kenya’s rural communities.