KENYA – Golden Africa Kenya Limited has obtained the Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000, placing it among a small group of edible oil manufacturers in Kenya to meet this global food safety benchmark.
The certification, developed and maintained by the Foundation FSSC and recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), evaluates how well companies implement food safety management systems throughout the supply chain.
Based on ISO 22000 and supplemented with sector-specific pre-requisite programs such as ISO/TS 22002-1, the FSSC 22000 framework focuses on hazard control, hygiene management, and traceability across production.
The certification applies to companies in food processing, packaging, and logistics, and has been adopted in over 150 countries since its launch 15 years ago.
Golden Africa Kenya Limited was established in 2015 and operates as a subsidiary of Hayel Saeed Anam (HSA) Group, a diversified multinational conglomerate founded in 1938 and headquartered in Dubai.
The Kenyan operation is situated in the industrial zone of Lukenya, Machakos County, where it specializes in refining and packaging edible oils and fats, along with manufacturing laundry soaps.
Its core product portfolio includes Pika and Avena (edible oils) and Zenta and Super Saba Plus (washing bars), which are distributed in Kenya and neighboring countries. The company is currently the only foreign-owned edible oil refinery in Kenya.
Facility maintains multiple international standards
In addition to the new certification, Golden Africa Kenya Limited holds the ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management systems.
The combination of both standards provides a framework for food safety, operational control, and customer satisfaction.
The company reports that its processes incorporate automated production lines, real-time quality control, and environmental management systems aligned with occupational health and safety guidelines.
According to company executives, the FSSC 22000 certification enables Golden Africa to work more effectively with large-scale retailers, distributors, and foodservice operators, who increasingly require third-party food safety validation.
The company maintains partnerships with various bakeries, restaurants, and hotels, supplying them with bulk edible oils under long-term agreements.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Managing Director Fathi Saeed stated that certification was achieved following a formal audit of Golden Africa’s manufacturing and food safety procedures.
“We are honored to be among the very few food manufacturers in Kenya to achieve the FSSC 22000 certification. This accomplishment reflects our team’s relentless pursuit of excellence and continuous investment in innovation, systems, and training. Above all, it reaffirms our commitment to delivering safe, high-quality products our consumers can rely on,” he said.
General Manager Saeed Abdo added that maintaining the certification will require ongoing investments in employee training, system reviews, and supply chain management.
Kenya’s edible oil sector shows growing compliance with global standards
Golden Africa’s certification comes at a time when Kenya’s edible oil and food processing industries are undergoing increased scrutiny from both regulators and consumers.
In 2023, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) stepped up random product testing and factory inspections, resulting in several product recalls and compliance notices across the industry.
The country imports over 90 percent of its crude palm oil requirements, primarily from Southeast Asia, and processes it domestically for household and commercial use.
As consumer demand grows and trade expands across East Africa, food manufacturers in Kenya are adopting internationally recognized safety protocols to access regional and global markets.
FSSC 22000 certification is increasingly viewed as a minimum requirement for companies seeking entry into export and institutional supply chains.
The broader edible oils segment in Kenya is valued at approximately KES 100 billion (US$774M), with local consumption expected to grow due to rising urbanization and demand from foodservice operators.
