Kenya Targets New African Markets for Livestock Exports

Kenya is expanding its markets for meat and livestock products.

Traditionally reliant on the UAE and the wider Middle East, Kenya is now focusing on African nations.

Nicholas Ngahu, CEO of the Meat and Livestock Exporters Industry Council, states that these new markets will provide better prices for livestock products and live animals. Currently, the export price of a kilogram of meat is $7. 60 (Sh981), with target prices for these new markets expected to be between $10 and $12 per kilo (Sh1,290 and Sh1,549).

Kenya’s strategy for exporting livestock and livestock products is shifting significantly, seeking new regional and international opportunities.

With a focus on African countries like Libya and Nigeria, Kenya aims to enhance its exports.

Last year, the country exported 500 tonnes of beef, 7,000 tonnes of lamb, 20,000 tonnes of goat meat, and 30,000 heads of livestock.

Ngahu noted that the primary destinations for live animals were Oman, Egypt, and Mauritius, while meat exports targeted the UAE (including Saudi Arabia and Dubai), Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, DRC Congo, and Seychelles.

Dr. Christopher Wanga emphasized the importance of platforms such as the African Pastoral Markets Development in enhancing intra-African trade.

He mentioned that with Africa’s growing population and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement promoting favorable conditions, Kenya is well-positioned to expand its presence on the continent.

As Kenya explores further African markets, it aims to export not only live animals but also processed products like meat, meat derivatives, and dairy.

The Director of Livestock Policy, Research, and Regulations at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development stated that traditional markets for livestock have included Asia, the UAE, and Oman.

Wanga highlighted the crucial role of the livestock sector in Kenya’s key initiatives, which include improving the dairy industry, enhancing meat value chains, and transforming the leather industry.

Ngahu added that efforts are being made to remove barriers to opening new markets for livestock products, underlining the significance of intra-African trade for Kenya’s livestock.