Harvest Group launches operations in Kenya, tapping into COMESA trade corridor

KENYA – Geneva-based commodities trading giant Harvest Group SA has officially launched its Kenyan operations, marking a pivotal move in its Africa-focused expansion strategy.

Leveraging Kenya’s strategic geographic and economic position, the company aims to transform regional supply chains and improve access to high-quality agricultural commodities across East and Central Africa.

The launch follows the successful completion of its first shipment of soybean meal from India in December and the establishment of a scalable, cash-and-carry distribution model.

The Kenyan market has been chosen for its stable regulatory framework, robust infrastructure, and high digital connectivity, positioning it as an ideal launchpad into the broader COMESA region, which includes key markets such as Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Central to Harvest Group’s logistics is Mombasa Port, East Africa’s largest deep-water facility, which is being utilized to repackage commodities into 40-50kg bags, a standard size for local use, before moving them inland via Kenya’s modern standard gauge railway (SGR) to Nairobi, now functioning as a primary wholesale hub.

“Our decision to expand into Kenya reflects a long-term commitment to the African continent,” said Almaz Alsenov, founder of Harvest Group.

“With European markets facing stagnation, Africa offers exciting and dynamic growth opportunities. Kenya’s infrastructure and technological advancements allow us to move fast and address issues such as food insecurity more effectively,” he added.

Harvest Group supplies key commodities such as wheat, corn, soybean meal, vegetable oils, and barley, and intends to influence regional farming practices by improving product quality and availability.

Its efficient supply chain model ensures that commodities are available in formats tailored to local demand, from single bags to truckloads, stored in strategically located warehouses.

To enhance accessibility and market penetration, Harvest Group plans to expand warehouse operations across the country.

According to the company, this will be underpinned by Kenya’s advanced mobile infrastructure, which allows the company to manage its logistics and sales efficiently.

With widespread mobile usage and a high rate of electronic financial transactions, the company has implemented automated systems at its distribution centers, including QR code-based customer identification for seamless product retrieval and improved security.

The firm is committed not only to ensuring a stable supply but also to raising market standards.

“By introducing superior-grade commodities to regional markets, we aim to influence farming practices for the better and improve the overall quality of food and animal feed production in the region. Improving agricultural efficiency is vital for tackling food insecurity, while at the same time bolstering the economies of African nations,” Alsenov said.

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