RICHI Machinery Launches 5T/H Straw Fodder Pellet Production Line in Kenya

In early 2025, RICHI Machinery successfully signed a contract to deliver a 5t/h straw fodder pellet production line to a major livestock cooperative in Kenya. The client operates a network of cattle farms across the Rift Valley region and sought to improve the nutritional quality of their cattle feed while reducing reliance on imported fodder. This project has now been completed.

Kenya’s climate and agricultural conditions provide abundant crop residues, particularly maize stalks, wheat straw, and rice husks, which are often underutilized. The client’s objective was to transform these raw materials into high-quality fodder pellets to enhance livestock growth, improve feed conversion rates, and ensure year-round availability of feed during dry seasons.

Previously, the client had been using basic choppers and manual feed mixing, resulting in inconsistent feed quality and inefficiency in labor use. They approached RICHI Machinery for a customized, small-scale turnkey solution, with a focus on:

• Converting straw and crop residues into durable pellets
• Reducing feed wastage and improving feed digestibility
• Ensuring ease of operation and maintenance for local staff
• Integrating the new production line into an existing facility while optimizing the factory layout

The feed formula designed for the client included approximately:

• Maize straw – 50% for fiber and bulk
• Wheat straw – 30% for additional fiber and structure
• Rice husk – 10% for roughage and pellet binding
• Molasses and mineral premix – 10% for palatability and nutrition

The resulting pellets are 6–8 mm in diameter, suitable for adult cattle, and provide a uniform, nutritionally balanced feed.

Plant Design and Implementation

The 5t/h straw fodder pellet production line was installed in a refurbished warehouse facility near Eldoret, maximizing the use of existing structures while accommodating new equipment. The plant incorporates a streamlined process from raw material preparation to finished pellet packaging:

• Straw shredding and chipping: Crop residues are cut into 20–30 mm pieces using a hammer mill before entering the pellet press.
• Moisture adjustment and conditioning: A conditioning system raises the moisture content of straw to approximately 14–18% for optimal pelletizing.
• Pelletizing: A ring die straw pellet machine compresses the straw into uniform 6–8 mm pellets.
• Cooling and screening: Pellets are cooled to prevent moisture accumulation and screened to remove fines.
• Packaging: Automated bagging systems ensure ready-to-sell products with minimal manual labor.

The process flow was carefully designed to accommodate seasonal variations in straw moisture content and maintain continuous production even during periods of high humidity.

Equipment Configuration and Technical Specifications

RICHI Machinery provided the following equipment for the 5t/h straw fodder pellet production line:

• Hammer mill: For initial chopping of straw to 20–30 mm pieces
• Single shaft conditioner: For pre-conditioning and moisture adjustment
• Ring die biomass pellet machine: Capable of producing 6–8 mm pellets at 5 t/h capacity
• Rotary cooler: Reduces pellet temperature and moisture for storage
• Vibrating screener: Separates fine particles from finished pellets
• Conveying system and bagging machine: Ensures smooth transfer and packaging of pellets

The plant was designed with energy-efficient motors and variable frequency drives, optimizing electricity usage under Kenya’s three-phase 415V power supply.

Operational Benefits for the Client

The 5t/h straw fodder pellet production line provides the client with significant operational advantages:

1. High-quality feed: Uniform pellets improve cattle digestibility and growth rates.
2. Resource efficiency: Utilizes locally available straw, reducing feed costs.
3. Labor savings: Automated conveyors and bagging reduce manual labor requirements.
4. Flexibility: Capable of processing multiple types of straw and crop residues.
5. Sustainability: Transforms agricultural waste into valuable animal feed, reducing environmental impact.

This production line also allows the client to maintain a consistent supply of fodder pellets throughout the year, mitigating the impact of seasonal feed shortages and increasing overall farm productivity.

Logistics and Shipping

All equipment for the 5t/h straw pellet production line was shipped via sea freight from Qingdao Port, China, arriving at Mombasa Port, Kenya’s primary seaport. RICHI Machinery coordinated the logistics, customs clearance, and on-site installation to ensure the project stayed on schedule. Local technicians were trained in operation, maintenance, and feed formulation adjustments to ensure seamless long-term operation.

Client Feedback and Project Outcome

Following the initial month of production, the client shared feedback:

“RICHI Machinery delivered an excellent solution. The 5t/h straw fodder pellet production line runs smoothly and produces consistent, high-quality pellets. The equipment is robust, energy-efficient, and easy to operate. We are particularly impressed with the team’s support and professional training during installation and commissioning.”

The client also emphasized the plant’s ability to handle varying straw types without loss of pellet quality, which was a critical factor in their decision to invest in RICHI’s technology.

Strategic Significance

In Kenya, the availability of high-quality, consistent cattle feed is crucial for the growth of livestock operations. This project demonstrates how RICHI Machinery’s turnkey solutions can leverage local agricultural residues to produce valuable feed, increasing farm profitability and supporting sustainable practices.

The 5t/h straw fodder pellet production line in Kenya exemplifies RICHI’s expertise in designing flexible, reliable, and efficient feed pellet plants that meet local market needs. Beyond equipment supply, RICHI provides comprehensive support including engineering design, installation, training, and after-sales service, ensuring clients achieve long-term operational success.

This project underscores RICHI Machinery’s commitment to delivering high-quality feed pellet solutions tailored to client needs. By combining advanced technology, thoughtful plant design, and professional support, the 5t/h straw fodder pellet production line enables the client to optimize feed quality, reduce costs, and expand production capacity.

The successful completion of this project highlights RICHI Machinery as a trusted partner for livestock feed production in Africa, capable of providing durable, efficient, and customizable pellet production systems.