Joy Millers scales up production with launch of 600-tonne wheat milling line
With this major expansion, Joy Millers aims to increase production to meet the rising demand for wheat products
KENYA – Joy Millers Limited, a maize and wheat milling company in Kenya, has officially launched a high-capacity wheat milling line capable of processing 600 tonnes of wheat per day at its Kutus facility in Kirinyaga County, marking a major leap in Kenya’s agro-processing sector.
With this major expansion, Joy Millers aims to increase production to meet the rising demand for wheat products both domestically and across the region.
According to founder and proprietor Julius Chomba, the investment reflects Joy Millers’ long-term vision of evolving from a domestic milling operation into a leading regional agro-industrial enterprise. The new wheat line is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic response to Kenya’s rising consumption of wheat-based foods and the country’s ongoing efforts to reduce dependency on imported products.
Founded in 2011, Joy Millers has grown from a modest local manufacturer to one of Kenya’s top millers by scale. This growth has enabled the company to serve both the national market and cross-border trading partners across East Africa.
Currently, the company employs over 2,000 people directly and supports thousands of indirect jobs through its extensive supply and distribution networks. The newly launched wheat milling line is expected to further boost job creation, particularly for youth and smallholder farmers who will benefit from a consistent and reliable market for their grain.
Primarily known for its successful maize flour processing operations for its flagship brand Raha Premium Kavagara and Joymax Mwivoko, Joy Millers’ wheat flour line represents a bold diversification strategy that strengthens its position as a key player in Kenya’s food manufacturing industry.
Chomba attributed the company’s success to continuous reinvestment in modern technology and skilled human capital, combined with a supportive business climate in Kirinyaga County. He commended both the national and county governments for providing critical infrastructure and facilitating a business-friendly environment.
“Our success story is a testament to what indigenous enterprises can achieve with determination, strategic planning, and a supportive ecosystem,” said Chomba.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru praised Joy Millers for its resilience and expansion, highlighting the company’s role in driving industrial transformation from within. She emphasized the socio-economic impact of such homegrown businesses, which include direct job creation, farmer integration into formal value chains, and the stimulation of rural economies.
Looking ahead, Joy Millers is also expected to benefit from the upcoming Sagana Industrial Park project—a 242-acre development featuring an Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and a County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP).
This flagship initiative, spearheaded by the county government and supported with KES 750 million (US$5.8 million) in funding from the national government, aims to attract agro-processors and generate over 150,000 jobs in the region.
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