The government of Kenya is scouting for new meat export market opportunities in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Livestock PS Harry Kimtai announced that the country is seeking other value chains in the meat industry are seeking new openings in countries of Egypt, Malaysia, DRC Congo and Jordan.
“There has been an interest in Kenya’s livestock and livestock products from other African countries and other global markets. We are working on logistics to ensure the market segments are achieved and thus expand our country’s share in the global markets,” said Kimtai.
Kenya’s export
Kenya’s export of meat and edible meat in 2021 stood at US$75.09 million according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. Kimtai noted an increasing demand for Kenya’s livestock products, and that in order to attract more interest into the livestock sector, the Ministry of Agriculture is developing a National Livestock Masterplan to guide investors on livestock investment opportunities within the Counties. In line with this, he said the Ministry plans to implement the National Export Strategy that targets to increase the export market from 0.3% to 5%.
“In order to increase the export market and meet the demand, we are working closely with about eight export slaughtering houses in the country. We will also support emerging County slaughterhouses like West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Wajir and Isiolo,” said Kimtai.
Going forward, the PS said they will bring all the stakeholders to work closely to be able to tap into the market and be able to bargain and get good prices for their products.
“We also call upon financial institutions to structure credit and finance products geared towards supporting the livestock sub-sector. The Government will endeavour to facilitate a livestock business environment for the export of live animals and make sure that proper infrastructure is put in place especially Lamu Port which will be used exclusively for the export of live animals,” said the PS.
