4 ton maize mill, Maize milling business, Success story

Buffalo Millers: A Kenyan Success Story

Marketing Manager at Roff Milling

February 3, 2022

For Evans Killy, Director of Buffalo Millers Limited in Kenya, building his family’s maize milling plant from the ground up has meant the realisation of a lifelong dream. It’s a story of perseverance and passion, but also of a successful partnership with Roff Industries.

Humble beginnings

The youngest of three brothers, Evans was exposed to the agricultural sector from an early age. His father, a mechanic by trade, made a career shift into farming, initially renting land from surrounding areas.

In 1996, the family bought their own farm in Soy, Kenya, where Buffalo Millers Limited is based today.

Evans and his brothers grew up as farm kids, watching and learning along the way. When Evans noticed how his father struggled to get fair prices for his produce, the idea of setting up their own maize mill started taking shape.

Evans Killy in front of R 70

Seizing a gap in the market

After obtaining a degree in Mechanical and Plant Engineering, and completing his post-graduate studies, Evans searched for potential suppliers to get him started in maize milling.

He came across Roff Industries’ website and contacted the team in South Africa. A Roff representative visited the Killy farm in Kenya to ascertain Evans’s business requirements.

Working within budget, Roff designed a small maize mill to kick-start the business. With four employees, a pick-up truck and a mill with an output of 800kg per hour, Evans set up operations in his father’s old workshop.

A future without limits

Today, the Killy family’s business looks a lot different. A new structure on the farm houses their pride and joy: a Roff R-70 100-ton Turnkey Maize Milling Plant.

Says Evans: “The Roff R-70 is really what gives us our competitive edge in the market.”

Currently, Buffalo Millers Limited employees 100 people, of whom 50 are permanent staff members. Their maize meal is regarded as amongst the best in Kenya and is enjoyed by Kenyans from all walks of life.

With maize a staple in the Kenyan diet, Evans Killy and his family are proud of the significant role Buffalo Millers Limited plays in feeding the nation, so they, in turn, can work hard and take the country to greater heights.

Truly a fine example of the African entrepreneurial spirit meeting technology to drive success!

Watch the video:

Read about the exciting next chapter in the Buffalo Millers success story in our new blog!

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions below

Why should a maize producer consider investing in a maize mill?

A maize mill gives producers the opportunity to add value to their own maize instead of relying only on the raw grain price. By milling, packaging and marketing maize meal, producers can create an additional revenue stream and reduce the impact of maize price volatility on their business. By-products like maize germ and bran can also be sold or used in feed operations, helping ensure that more of the maize kernel contributes to the bottom line.

How can milling help protect farmers from maize price fluctuations?

Maize prices are constantly influenced by market conditions, weather, climate changes and global events. When prices are low, producers may feel pressure on margins, especially when input costs remain high. Milling helps producers move further up the value chain by selling a finished product rather than only raw maize, giving them more control over their margins and market position.

What products can be made from a maize milling plant?

A commercial maize mill can produce maize meal, while some configurations can also produce grits for snack products. The milling process also creates by-products such as maize germ and bran, which can be sold to feedlots or used in a producer’s own animal feed operation. In Idlani’s case, this has become a useful additional income stream alongside their main maize meal business.

What makes the Roff R-70 a good option for maize milling entrepreneurs?

The Roff R-70 is a compact commercial maize mill designed for entrepreneurs who want to produce maize meal at scale. It has a milling capacity of 4 to 5 tons per hour and can produce up to 120 tons of maize per day, depending on the configuration. Roff positions the R-70 as a compact, all-in-one maize mill built around simple, high-quality milling principles.

What support does Roff provide with the R-70?

Roff supplies the mill, electric panel boards, installation, set-up and training. The blog also highlights the value of choosing a manufacturer with a strong reputation, industry knowledge, after-sales support and locally available parts, especially when downtime can directly affect profitability.

R-70 Maize Mill - 4 to 5 ton/hour

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ZAR 7,650,000.00

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5 comments

Good work sir.I wish to visit your company in July sir . Thanks
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Roff Milling replied:
Thank you, you are more than welcome.

How did he raise capital to acquire that milling plant? Is there any arrangement one can do in terms of the cost of purchasing the Roff milling plant. I have assets but I think invested in real estate, now I have started farming I would love to have a milling plant. I am Zambia how would we do it to enable me to own a Roff milling plant.
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Roff Milling replied:
Hello Thomas, please send us your contact details to sales@roff.co.za<mailto:sales@roff.co.za>, and our designated consultant will get in touch as soon as possible to assist.

This is very credible and inspiring presentation I ever come across as a small holder farmer. As a pensioner, I have taken to farming especially; maize crops which is also a staple food in the northern region of Nigeria. I hope to make progress into milling the same way as Buffalo millers made. I will keep in touch for more guidance and inspiration.

i like your products