Kenya is undergoing a major shift in its livestock and livestock products export strategy, moving away from traditional markets in the Middle East and seeking new opportunities in Africa. With a growing demand for meat and livestock products, the country aims to capitalize on intra-African trade to secure better prices and expand its market reach.
For years, Kenya has depended on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the broader Middle Eastern market, exporting beef, lamb, goat meat, and live animals to destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. However, with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) creating a conducive environment for regional trade, Kenya is now targeting African nations, including Libya and Nigeria.
According to Nicholas Ngahu, CEO of the Meat and Livestock Exporters Industry Council, these new markets offer better pricing for livestock products and live animals. Currently, a kilogramme of meat on the export market fetches $7.60 (Sh981), but the target price for the new markets is projected between $10 and $12 per kilo (Sh1,290–Sh1,549). This shift promises increased earnings for Kenyan exporters and livestock farmers.
In 2023, Kenya exported 500 tonnes of beef, 7,000 tonnes of lamb, 20,000 tonnes of goat meat, and 30,000 live animals. The main export destinations for live animals included Oman, Egypt, and Mauritius, while the UAE, Seychelles, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were key markets for meat products.
Dr. Christopher Wanga, Director of Livestock Policy, Research, and Regulations at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, highlighted the significance of the African Pastoral Markets Development platform. He noted that this initiative provides a strategic avenue to enhance intra-African trade, especially given the continent’s growing population and evolving economic policies.
Kenya is not only looking to expand its market for live animals but also aims to increase the export of processed products such as meat derivatives and dairy products. This aligns with the country’s broader livestock development initiatives, which include improving the dairy industry, strengthening meat value chains, and transforming the leather industry.
Efforts are underway to address constraints hindering market expansion, including regulatory frameworks and infrastructure. As Kenya continues to strengthen its livestock sector, it remains a key player in Africa’s meat and livestock trade, positioning itself for long-term economic growth and food security across the continent.
