From a university idea in 2018 to a KEBS-certified product incubated at KIRDI — this is how Ryan's Foods came to be.
It started with a simple observation: Kenyan families deserved nutritious, convenient porridge that didn't require 45 minutes at the jiko. A small team at Egerton University set out to solve it.
The product concept was developed and validated — but limited access to machinery meant the dream had to wait. The mission, however, was set in stone.
Product concept developed and validated at Egerton University
Focus on grain-based, locally sourced ingredients identified
The team continued refining the product formula — testing blends, processing methods and grain combinations to find what worked best for both nutrition and taste.
Early consumer feedback sessions shaped the direction of what would eventually become Ryan's Instant Uji Mix.
Formula refinement and consumer testing underway
Nutrition profile and grain blend finalized
A challenging year globally — but for the Ryan's team, it reinforced the importance of what they were building. Access to nutritious, convenient food matters most when times are hardest.
The team continued planning and building relationships with potential manufacturing partners.
Mission reinforced — nutritious food access more important than ever
Manufacturing partnerships explored
Serious progress on the path to production. The team worked through the regulatory landscape and mapped out what KEBS certification would require.
James & Ben Enterprise formally established as the parent company under which Ryan's would operate.
KEBS certification pathway mapped out
James & Ben Enterprise formally established
A pivotal year. The team joined the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute under contract manufacturing — finally getting access to the equipment needed to bring the product to life at scale.
Ryan's moved from a university concept to a real product being made in a certified facility.
Contract manufacturing begins at KIRDI
First batches of Ryan's Instant Uji Mix produced
The milestone the team had worked towards since 2018. Ryan's Instant Uji Mix received full KEBS certification and launched commercially, reaching initial consumers across Nairobi.
Full KEBS certification achieved
Commercial launch — first retail sales in Nairobi
Ryan's expanded significantly — growing retail presence, reaching over 15,000 consumers, and building partnerships to serve communities in ASALs and institutions across Kenya.
Collaboration with nutrition advocates began, supporting women and children in vulnerable settings.
15,000+ consumers reached
ASAL and institutional partnerships established
Ryan's found its way into hotel breakfast programmes across Nairobi — and built partnerships with retail outlets for wider national distribution and community nutritional programmes.
Hotel partnerships across Nairobi and environs
National retail distribution partnerships growing
Today Ryan's is a growing, KEBS-certified brand available on Tushop, through WhatsApp delivery and in retail stores across Kenya. We are committed to closing the nutritional gap for urban and peri-urban households — one bowl at a time.
Available nationwide — WhatsApp, Tushop & retail
KEBS certified & KIRDI incubated
Expanding product line and community reach
From a university idea to a nationally recognised food brand — these are the milestones that define Ryan's Foods.
Since our commercial launch, Ryan's has been welcomed into thousands of Kenyan households across Nairobi and beyond.
Built partnerships to serve communities in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands — bringing nutritious food to Kenya's most underserved regions.
Collaborated with nutrition advocates supporting women and children in Kenyan correctional facilities, providing meals they can prepare within their limited conditions.
Providing solutions to hotels for serving nutritious porridge across Nairobi and its environs — bringing Ryan's into institutional food programmes.
Ryan's Instant Uji Mix is certified by the Kenya Bureau of Standards — one of the most rigorous food safety certifications in East Africa.
Partnerships with retail outlets for distribution across the country — placing Ryan's on shelves in mini-marts and stores beyond Nairobi.