Kenya to seek new markets for its meat, livestock products
KENYA – Kenya is shifting its focus from traditional export destinations and looking for new regional and international markets for its meat and livestock products.
Nicholas Ngahu, CEO of the Meat and Livestock Exporters Industry Council, says the country is targeting higher-paying markets for both processed meat and live animals.
Currently, a kilogram of meat in export markets is priced at US$7.60, but the goal is to reach between US$10 and US$12 per kilogram in the new markets.
Kenya has long relied on exports to the United Arab Emirates and other Middle Eastern countries, but efforts are now directed toward African nations such as Libya and Nigeria.
In 2023, Kenya exported 500 tonnes of beef, 7,000 tonnes of lamb, 20,000 tonnes of goat meat, and 30,000 live animals.
Live animal exports were mainly sent to Oman, Egypt, and Mauritius, while meat products were shipped to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Seychelles.
Dr. Christopher Wanga, an official at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, says initiatives such as the African Pastoral Markets Development provide opportunities to increase intra-African trade.
With Africa’s population growing and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement easing trade barriers, Kenya sees a chance to expand its market within the continent.
Besides live animals, Kenya is also looking to export more processed products, including meat, meat derivatives, and dairy items.
Kenya’s traditional livestock markets have included Asia, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman, but officials believe diversifying will strengthen the sector.
Wanga says the livestock industry contributes significantly to government projects aimed at improving the dairy sector, expanding the meat processing industry, and developing the leather business.
Efforts are being made to address challenges that hinder access to new markets, including compliance with international standards and logistics issues.
Ngahu emphasizes the importance of intra-African trade and says Kenya is actively working to secure new export destinations within the continent.
According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the country produced 556,653 metric tonnes of meat in 2023, valued at US$2.33 billion, a 19.8% increase from the previous year.
Of the total production, 65% was consumed locally, with both red meat (beef, mutton, and camel) and white meat (pork and poultry) showing notable growth compared to 2022.
Additionally, in 2022, Kenya had around 61 million chickens, 34.5 million goats, 25.8 million sheep, and 23.5 million cattle.
About 60% of households in Kenya keep livestock, with the majority of those households being rural.
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