UK–Kenya Alternative Proteins Global Innovation Network Launches to Revolutionize Sustainable Food Systems
Nairobi & London — As global protein demand soars and environmental pressures intensify, innovators from the UK and Kenya have united to reshape the future of food. The UK-Kenya Alternative Proteins Global Innovation Network, an Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa priority, is pioneering sustainable protein solutions—from insects and plant-based crops to fermentation—to create resilient, nutritious, and climate-smart food systems.
Purpose & Pillars: Driving Innovation Across Borders
This groundbreaking initiative focuses on four core objectives:
- Connect stakeholders to share knowledge and boost food security
- Drive innovation in alternative protein technologies
- Bolster economies by opening new markets and investment opportunities
- Build capacity through skills development in both countries
The Network initially centers on two vibrant communities: Plant-Based Proteins and Insects for Food, with Fermentation projects set to launch soon.
Spotlight on Communities
Plant-Based Proteins
Harnessing the power of peas, soy, algae, and seaweed, this pillar combines UK and Kenyan expertise to develop climate-smart cultivation and nutritious food ingredients that meet growing global demand.
Insects for Food
Challenging dietary norms, this track promotes insect farming technologies—such as black soldier fly cultivation—to convert organic waste into high-quality, sustainable protein for human consumption.
Coming soon: The Fermentation pillar will focus on cutting-edge biomass and precision fermentation to produce protein indoors, reducing environmental impact.
Funding & Success Stories
In mid-2024, Innovate UK launched a Lead Customer Programme offering grants up to £40,000 for joint UK-Kenya projects, totaling £120,000 across three innovations. By January 2025, two flagship collaborations secured funding:
- Commercialising Bambara groundnut milk with Greenspoon, Koolmill (UK), OnlyPlants (Kenya), and Sheffield Hallam University
- Biomass fermentation of agri-waste with Evonik, Carbonovia (UK), Tropical Power Ltd, and Majani Mingi Ltd (Kenya)
These projects exemplify how innovation can translate into real-world impact across continents.
What Sets This Network Apart
- Equitable Partnerships: Every project includes both UK and Kenyan partners, fostering shared ownership and mutual growth.
- Market-Driven Innovation: The Lead Customer model ensures solutions meet real end-user needs, accelerating adoption.
- Ecosystem Growth: The Network nurtures skills, connects investors, and engages regulators to build a thriving alternative protein sector.
This initiative aligns closely with the UK’s National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC), underscoring a global momentum toward sustainable protein production.
Looking Ahead
- Scaling fermentation projects to broaden sustainable protein options
- Expanding groundnut milk and fermentation tech from pilot phases to commercial scale
- Ongoing ecosystem engagement through funding calls, events, and sector insights to fuel continuous innovation
Quote from Cameron Davies, Innovate UK
“These Lead Customer Programme projects will make a social, environmental, and economic difference in both the UK and Africa, showcasing how collaboration can drive sustainable food futures.”
Why This Matters
The UK-Kenya Alternative Proteins Global Innovation Network is a blueprint for future-ready, climate-conscious, and economically inclusive food systems. By combining UK scientific expertise with Kenyan resourcefulness and entrepreneurial energy, this partnership is transforming protein production—across continents, communities, and generations.
About The Author
