Kenya’s meat export to international markets is expected to grow exponentially, driven by rising global demand, population growth and the emergence of new markets.

The Middle East so far provides a vital lifeline for local meat industry with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait leading the pace and have injected billions of shillings into Kenya’s meat sector.

Kenya’s total meat exports rose from Ksh11.5 billion ($89 million) in 2022 to Ksh19 billion (147 million) in 2023 and Ksh18.7 billion ($144.5 million) in 2024, indicating an average annual growth of 39 per cent.

With an established foothold in the Gulf region, Kenya is now targeting major Asian markets, including China, Malaysia and Indonesia to further boost exports.

According to Said Ali, a consultant with the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), Kenya’s livestock sector contributes 12 per cent to the national gross domestic product (GDP) and accounts for 40 per cent of the agricultural sector’s total output.

Speaking to key stakeholders in Naivasha, Ali called for the expansion and modernisation of slaughterhouses, noting that only seven of the existing 1,000 facilities currently meet global export standards.

He also warned of rising threats posed by climate change that include prolonged drought seasons which continues to devastate pastoralist communities that produce more than 70 per cent of the country’s meat.

Ali said there is need to address shortages of quality animal feed and fodder, as well as to improve livestock genetics to enhance productivity.

Richard Kyuma, CEO of the National Livestock Development and Promotion Service, said a recent comprehensive study by relevant government agencies estimates that Kenya has about 22 million head of cattle and 58 million goats and sheep.

Kyuma said the government is introducing new regulations aimed at unlocking the sector’s full potential by improving production, meat quality and market consistency. He noted that plans were underway to integrate livestock producers into cooperatives to streamline operations and ensure full exploitation of the multi-billion-shilling industry.

Kyuma added that collaboration between meat producers and feedlot operators across the country would be critical in promoting value addition and attracting higher returns.

“This will cushion farmers from unpredictable losses caused by recurring droughts,” he said, noting that Kenya’s economy lost over Ksh1 trillion ($7.73 billion) during the 2008–2011 drought seasons.

“There is a need to provide quality feed, align both local and international markets, and establish organised abattoirs to unlock the full potential of the sector,” the official pointed outs.

Meanwhile, Kenya Meat and Livestock Exporters Industry Council Chair Adenur Dahir said goat and lamb meat account for about 85 per cent of Kenya’s total meat exports.

He said the country can leverage the emerging export opportunities in markets such as Libya, China, Jordan, Malaysia, Comoros, Senegal and Nigeria, where demand continues to rise due to population increase.

However, Dahir cautioned that value addition, stronger regulatory frameworks, investment in feedlot systems and standardised livestock grading were essential to sustain growth.

“The sector faces serious challenges due to the approaching drought, poor feed quality, and unpredictable livestock markets,” Dahir warned.

Maria Mbeneka, CEO of Ranch Expert, called for support to local livestock producers to improve feed quality and disease control if Kenya is to access the highly regulated international markets. She noted that Kenya has yet to enter the lucrative European Union market as the country has not been declared free of transboundary animal diseases.

“Many smallholder farmers are still grappling with counterfeit livestock drugs, which continue to hinder access to international markets,” Mbeneka said.

She added that accurate animal weight tracking, proper health systems, and quality feed and supplements are key to unlocking both regional and global opportunities. Mbeneka revealed that her organisation has introduced a digital platform to integrate key players in the sector noting that by December, more than 50,000 stakeholders are expected to be on-boarded.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Erastus Gichohi