Growing up on her family’s agricultural farm in Limuru, Kenya, Talash Huijbers often wondered why farmers, who are essential to the food supply chain, still face so many financial challenges. This curiosity drove her to seek solutions to improve food security and waste management across Africa.
After studying Food and Agribusiness at HAS Green Academy in the Netherlands, Huijbers returned to Kenya with a clear intention to impact the agricultural sector. Her first venture, a fish farming business, faltered due to the high fish feed costs. This setback prompted her to explore alternative solutions, ultimately leading her to discover the potential of insects as a sustainable protein source.
In 2018, Huijbers founded InsectiPro, which addresses two significant challenges in food production and waste management. Focusing on sustainability, the company raises black soldier flies for animal feed and crickets for human consumption. The company’s approach offers a fresh solution to protein shortages across Africa while reducing waste.
Turning waste into value
InsectiPro’s operations revolve around turning waste into opportunity. Black soldier fly larvae consume organic waste, converting it into a cost-effective protein for animal feed. That reduces waste and provides farmers an affordable alternative to traditional protein sources such as soy and fishmeal. The process also produces organic fertilisers, which benefit over 20,000 farmers by enhancing soil quality.
The company has made a significant impact since its inception. It has recycled over 18,000 metric tonnes of waste, preventing 16,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. It has also produced enough protein to nourish two million fish, helping to address food security challenges in the region.
The company is also advancing the use of insects as a sustainable protein source for human consumption. Its processing of crickets into powder creates nutritious and affordable products like snacks and porridge. This method provides a sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources while opening up new possibilities for local food production.
What started as a small operation on just one acre of her father’s farm has grown into a successful business employing over 60 people. Talash Huijbers has expanded operations by implementing a decentralised model and establishing satellite farms near key waste producers to streamline production and reduce transportation costs.
A significant milestone for the company came when the founder partnered with Kenya’s largest animal feed miller. This collaboration not only expanded InsectiPro’s customer base but also demonstrated the viability of insect protein as a sustainable feed option. Today, the company supplies insect-based protein to four major feed mills and is exploring cricket-based food products for human consumption.
Through her work, Talash Huijbers has shown that building a sustainable business can meaningfully address food security and waste management. The InsectiPro model can transform Kenya’s agricultural sector and inspire change across Africa.
