Nairobi: Kenya’s meat exports to international markets are expected to grow exponentially, driven by rising global demand, population growth, and the emergence of new markets. The Middle East has so far provided a vital lifeline for local meat producers, with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait leading the pace and injecting billions of shillings into Kenya’s meat sector.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya’s total meat exports rose from Sh11.5 billion in 2022 to Sh19 billion in 2023 and Sh18.7 billion 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.
Said Ali, a consultant with the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), highlighted that Kenya’s livestock sector contributes 12 per cent to the national 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 increasing threats posed by climate change, including prolonged drought seasons, which continue to devastate pastoralist communities that produce more than 70 per cent of the country’s meat. Ali emphasized the 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, stated that 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 mentioned that 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 Sh1 trillion during the 2008-2011 drought seasons.
Kenya Meat and Livestock Exporters Industry Council Chairperson Adenur Dahir said goat and lamb meat account for about 85 per cent of Kenya’s total meat exports. He urged the country to seize 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.
Maria Mbeneka, CEO of Ranch Expert, stressed the need to support 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 onboarded.