Kenya is experiencing a major shift in its livestock and livestock products export strategy, moving away from traditional markets and capitalising on new regional and international opportunities.
The country has traditionally been reliant on the UAE and the broader Middle East but is now targeting African nations, such as Libya and Nigeria, to boost its livestock and livestock product exports.
Nicholas Ngahu, CEO of the Meat and Livestock Exporters Industry Council, says these new markets will offer better prices for livestock products and live animals.
He said at present, a kilogramme of meat on the export market is priced at $7.60 (Sh981). The target price for the new markets is between $10 and $12 per kilo (Sh1,290 and Sh1,549 ).
Last year, Kenya exported 500 tonnes of beef, 7,000 tonnes of lamb, 20,000 tonnes of goat meat and 30,000 heads of livestock (live animals).
Ngahu said the main export destinations for live animals were Oman, Egypt and Mauritius, while the primary markets for meat included the UAE (Saudi Arabia and Dubai), Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, DRC Congo and Seychelles.
Dr Christopher Wanga says a platform like the African Pastoral Markets Development is significant in this context as it provides a strategic avenue to boost intra-African trade.
With Africa’s growing population and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement creating favourable conditions, he says that Kenya is well-positioned to expand its trade footprint within the continent.
Kenya is exploring additional African markets for its livestock and livestock products, with a focus not only on exporting live animals but also processed products, such as meat, meat derivatives and dairy products.
The director of Livestock Policy, Research and Regulations at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said Kenya’s traditional markets for livestock include Asia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Wanga said the livestock sector plays a pivotal role in Kenya’s flagship initiatives, such as improving the dairy industry, developing meat value chains and transforming the leather industry.
“Efforts are underway to address constraints in opening new markets for livestock and livestock products,” he said.
Ngahu said intra-African trade
is important, and Kenya, as a key
player in the livestock sub-sector, is
keen to explore new markets within the continent.
