Kenya is scouting for new meat export market opportunities in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Livestock PS Harry Kimtai in an interview recently in his office, confirmed that the Government and other value chains in the meat industry are seeking new openings in countries of Egypt, Malaysia, DRC Congo and Jordan.
“There has been an interest in Kenya's livestock and livestock products from other African countries and other global markets. We are working on logistics to ensure the market segments are achieved and thus expand our country's share in the global markets,” said Kimtai.
He was speaking to the Star on Thursday during an interview.
The PS said he met with livestock traders and value chain actors this week to discuss and sensitise livestock traders to take advantage of the program within the livestock sector.
Kenya’s export of meat and edible meat in 2021 stood at US$75.09 million according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.
Kimtai noted an increasing demand for Kenya's livestock products, and that in order to attract more interest into the livestock sector, the Ministry of Agriculture is developing a National Livestock Masterplan to guide investors on livestock investment opportunities within the Counties.
In line with this, he said the Ministry plans to implement the National Export Strategy that targets to increase the export market from 0.3 per cent to five per cent.
“In order to increase the export market and meet the demand, we are working closely with about eight export slaughtering houses in the country. We will also support emerging County slaughterhouses like West Pokot, Baringo, Samburu, Wajir and Isiolo," said Kimtai.
