By Zablon Oyugi
Kenyan farmers in the dairy and livestock value chains might soon start benefiting from trade and investment opportunities being explored in the country by the Qatar government.
This follows a visit by a delegation from Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI) to the recently concluded Nairobi International Trade Fair event at Jamhuri Park Showground.
During the visit, the delegation which was led by QCCI’s First Vice-Chairman H. E Mr. Mohamed Bin Ahmed Twar Al Kuwari, explored various companies, including New Kenya Co-operative Creameries Ltd , Business Registration Service (BRS) , Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA), The National Treasury, Arabika Project, Alko Vintages, Embassy of Algeria in Kenya, Kenya Leather Development Council, and Technoserve.
Qatar, being an Islamic country, has a preference for Halal meat products and Kenya’s cattle can be raised and processed according to Halal standards.
Besides, Kenya is known for its quality cattle and the relatively lower cost of production compared to some other countries might make it an attractive source for livestock.
Kenya’s export to Qatar
In October 2021, Middle East countries lifted a ban on Kenya’s meat following the containment of the Rift Valley Fever disease that led to restrictions. However, Qatar was yet to lift the ban.
Kenya Exports of live animals to Qatar was US$50 during 2015, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.
Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) is the biggest and most modern licensed export abattoir in East, Central and the Horn of Africa.
It exports an average of 500 tons of fresh and frozen goat, lamb and beef by air, road and sea every week.
The Trade Fair
The one-week Trade Fair attracted over 500 global Exhibitors from sectors such as Agriculture, Manufacturing, Housing, Small and Medium Enterprises, Banking, Public and Private Sector Institutions, Hospitality, Education, with a host of new technologies and innovations on display.
The visitors were received and taken around by Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President Dr. Erick Rutto and KNCCI Board of Directors.
The Nairobi International Trade Fair continues to serve as a vital hub for disseminating crucial knowledge in agriculture and trade.
It accomplishes this by ensuring that exhibitors showcase not only new and emerging innovations but also advanced technologies in the realms of agriculture and trade.
KNCCI is also keen to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) with the main aim to promote sustainable, climate smart and resilient agricultural practices at the county level and to connect farmers with markets opportunities both locally and internationally.
