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CAPWELL INDUSTRIES
For a quarter of a century, Capwell Industries has been a beacon of innovation and excellence in Kenya’s food industry. From its humble beginnings in a Thika milling factory in 1999, Capwell has grown into a powerhouse, enriching lives through nutrition and driving economic growth. Our journey has been marked by a relentless commitment to quality, safety, and community, making us a trusted name in households across the nation.
As we celebrate 25 years of success, we reflect on our contributions to Kenya’s economy, our pioneering innovations, and our unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation and giving back to the community.
Capwell Industries has always been at the forefront of innovation in the food industry. Starting with a single milling factory, we have expanded our product line to over 30 nutritious offerings, including maize flour, rice, wheat flour, porridge, pulses, spaghetti, ready-to-drink beverages, and biscuits. Our well-known brands such as Soko, Pearl, CIL, Amaize, Ranee, Yola, and Treatos are staples in Kenyan households, meeting diverse dietary needs with wholesome and nutritious options.
We take pride in being the first company in Kenya to fortify maize flour in the year 2000 (before it became mandatory in 2010), ensuring our consumers receive essential nutrients in every meal. Our innovative spirit led to the introduction of Nutrigo, Kenya’s first packaged and shelf stablewhole grain maize flour, and Yola, a ready-to-drink Uji shake providing nutrition on the go.
In June 2024, we became the first to fortify rice in Kenya, adding vital vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B6, Folic Acid, B12, iron, and zinc to Pearl Pishori and Basmati. The fortification of rice, the third largest consumed staple grain in the country, aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations and the Kenya National Food Fortification Strategic Plan and Guidelines of 2018-2022. By fortifying staple foods, Capwell is contributing significantly to public health and nutritional goals, ensuring better health outcomes for all Kenyans.
At Capwell Industries, quality and safety are non-negotiable. Our dedication to maintaining the highest standards is evidenced by our ISO 22000 certification under the Food Safety Management System. This is a prestigious international standard that underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest food safety standards. This certification is recognised globally, allowing Capwell’s products to cross borders and earn consumer trust worldwide. Additionally, Capwell is among the few elite manufacturers both locally and globally to hold this certification, reinforcing its status as a leader in the food processing industry.
Our HACCP certification from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) signifies that every step in the manufacturing, storage, and distribution processes is meticulously analysed for potential hazards, ensuring the delivery of safe and quality food products. Our CEO, Rajan Shah, emphasises, “Achieving HACCP certification has enhanced consumer confidence and opened new regional and international trade opportunities, solidifying our position as a leader in the food processing industry.”
Our investments in state-of-the-art facilities, such as the new wheat milling plant equipped with advanced pre-cleaning equipment and a 15,000-tonne storage silo, have significantly enhanced our production capacity and market competitiveness. These strategic investments enable us to meet growing consumer demand while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Capwell Industries’ economic contributions extend beyond product innovation. We have created thousands of jobs, bolstered the local economy and supported countless families. Our robust Management Trainee Program integrates Gen Z into our workforce, providing young talents with comprehensive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience across various departments. These trainees bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, fueling our growth and sustainability efforts.
Under the visionary leadership of CEO Rajan Shah, Capwell Industries has achieved numerous accolades, including the prestigious Maize Flour of the Year and Rice of the Year awards at the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Awards in 2024, and the Energy Management Award in both 2021 and 2022. Rajan Shah, an alumnus of the University of Cambridge with a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree in Finance, has been recognised by Africapitol Ventures as one of the 50 Most Influential CEOs in Kenya in 2024. His strategic thinking and passion for excellence have inspired the Capwell team to reach new heights, and his role as the National Chair of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) underscores his leadership within the industry.
Capwell Industries is deeply committed to giving back to the community. Through the Capwell Foundation, we sponsor a cup of uji daily for over 20,000 primary school pupils in 32 underprivileged schools in various parts of the country. These pupils receive essential nutrition, which is crucial for better learning and improved academic performance.
Capwell Industries remains committed to our core values of integrity, passion, innovation, agility, proactivity, and results orientation. Our mission is to transform farm produce into nutritious, safe, and convenient vegetarian foods with our purpose of enriching lives through nutrition. With a robust product range, esteemed certifications, strategic investments, and a dedication to community welfare and young talent integration, we are poised to sustain our growth and impact for years to come.
Join us as we continue our journey, driven by a passion for excellence and a commitment to enriching lives through nutrition.
Capwell Industries: Celebrating 25 years of innovation, quality, nutrition, and community impact.
Author: Capwell Industries
Editor: Martin O’neil
