Nairobi: In a speech during the 5th edition of the Kenya meat expo and conference under the theme ‘Accelerating Sustainable Growth: Empowering the Next Generation in the Meat Value Chain,’ Livestock Development Principal Secretary (PS), Jonathan Mueke, observed that Kenya’s livestock sector is undergoing a profound transformation where pastoralist communities have sustained the nation from the harshest lands, yet remained on the margins of economic prosperity.
According to Kenya News Agency, PS Mueke highlighted that Kenya has surpassed Egypt to become the largest producer of milk in Africa, with output rising from 4.6 billion litres to 5.4 billion litres. Meat exports have also climbed by 87 percent, from Sh8.9 billion to Sh16.4 billion, and dairy exports have grown from Sh4.9 billion to Sh14.2 billion. Mueke emphasized that these figures represent transformed livelihoods, uplifted families, and a sector finally realizing its immense potential.
PS Mueke reiterated the goal of transforming the livestock and meat sector into a Sh1 trillion industry. To achieve this, the government is focusing on four critical enablers that will commercialize livestock production, turning it from a mere livelihood activity into a powerful engine of economic growth.
The foundation of a productive livestock sector is genetics, as demonstrated by the National Livestock Breeding Programme and the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC). Over 1.7 million doses of bull semen have been distributed and maintained a strategic reserve of more than 724,000 straws. Following a Presidential directive, KAGRC is now distributing subsidized sexed semen, reducing the cost barrier for smallholder farmers. Kenya has also exported semen to several African countries, positioning itself as a regional genetics hub.
Disease control is another critical enabler, with the National Mass Livestock Vaccination campaign launched in January 2025. Over 18 million animals have been vaccinated against diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR). The Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) has manufactured over 114 million doses of vaccines since August 2022, ensuring Kenya’s access to export markets by safeguarding national food systems.
The Animal Identification and Traceability System – ANITRAC – is Kenya’s digital platform for livestock traceability. It uniquely identifies every animal via RFID tags and traces its entire life cycle, opening doors to premium markets like the European Union and the Middle East. ANITRAC also strengthens disease surveillance, curbs illegal livestock movement, and enhances financial inclusion by making livestock bankable assets.
County Livestock Investment Companies (CLICs) are transforming how pastoralists participate in the value chain. Professionally governed and commercially oriented, these companies are owned primarily by pastoralists, with public and private investment. CLICs provide access to organized markets and finance, allowing pastoralists to become credible shareholders in the value chain and capture value at every stage.
These four enablers – genetics, disease control, traceability, and aggregation – are the pillars of Kenya’s livestock transformation agenda. They work together to produce healthier animals, traced through ANITRAC, and marketed collectively through CLICs. The results are already evident, with meat exports rising 87 percent and milk production hitting record highs. More than 330,000 pastoralist households are insured under the DRIVE project, protecting 2.7 million animals worth Sh29.3 billion.
PS Mueke emphasized the government’s commitment to walking with farmers, demonstrating value at every step, and building a sector that is resilient, competitive, and globally connected, asserting that the time for the pastoralists of Kenya has come.
