Kenya approves domesticated water buffalo meat for human consumption
KENYA – Kenya has officially legalized the farming, slaughter, and sale of domesticated water buffalo meat following a directive from Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.
A recent Kenya Gazette notice now classifies the domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) as a food animal under the Meat Control Act, allowing its meat to enter the market legally.
Buffalo meat is often considered a healthier alternative to beef due to its lower saturated fat content and high protein and iron levels.
Nutritionists and food industry professionals have expressed support for the policy, citing the potential health benefits of buffalo meat, which is already widely consumed in various global markets.
In countries where water buffalo meat is part of the diet, it is used in processed products such as sausages and burgers, as well as in slow-cooked dishes like rendang.
However, conservationists have raised concerns that allowing buffalo meat production could lead to illegal hunting of wild buffalo species, particularly the Cape buffalo, which is protected in Kenya’s national parks.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has warned that poaching has already contributed to declining buffalo populations across Africa, including some regions where water buffalos are found.
Critics argue that the policy lacks clarity, as there is little publicly available information on domesticated water buffalo populations in Kenya.
World Animal Protection Organization research manager Dr. Patrick Muinde has questioned the necessity of the gazettement, pointing out that there is no official data on whether domesticated water buffalos are even being farmed in Kenya.
Even though there arent real data sources stating the number of domesticated world buffalo in the country, estimates suggest that Kenya has between 30,000 and 45,000 Cape buffaloes, mainly within national parks and reserves.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve and surrounding conservancies hosts herds of up to 300 animals throughout the year.
Accurately tracking water buffalo populations remains a challenge, making it difficult to confirm their exact numbers.
While demand for buffalo meat in Africa is not well documented, overall meat consumption on the continent is rising, with buffalo meat being a part of the market where water buffalo populations exist.
Globally, buffalo meat accounts for approximately 1.29% of total meat production, with India leading in production and supplying a significant portion of the international market.
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