The private sector is pushing for higher standards, stronger market intelligence, and strategic investment partnerships to boost Kenya’s competitiveness in the global meat export market. Seeds of Gold spoke to Aden Noor Dahir Abdi, the chairperson of the Kenya Meat and Livestock Industry Council (Kemlic), who explains the road map and the reforms needed to make Kenyan livestock products globally competitive.
The council is focused on enhancing standards to deepen Kenya’s entry into the lucrative meat export market. Why is this important?
We deal with international markets, especially the Middle East, where buyers source animals and animal products from all over the world. To compete, we must meet global standards set by the World Organisation for Animal Health, ISO, and individual country requirements. If we don’t comply, we will simply be locked out. We also need to modernise our production systems by fully embracing feedlot technologies instead of relying heavily on free-range grazing. This ensures a predictable supply and helps mitigate drought-related shocks.
It is critical for survival in the global arena. Currently, there is no seamless system to relay information from producers to exporters. Many exporters rely on traders in urban centres, yet most of them have no interaction with international markets. Kemlic conducts market research and shares insights with producers so they can raise high-quality animals that meet export requirements. About 90 per cent of our animals are still kept under traditional systems, and this needs to change.
The sector has huge potential that remains largely untapped. The livestock value chain from feedlots to processing is capital-intensive. We need both local and international investment partnerships to help market players expand feedlots, processing plants, and export operations. This will uplift producers, particularly smallholders.
We face a shortage of high-quality breeds that meet international standards. Demand from the Middle East is growing, but our breeds are not always competitive. We are collaborating with government agencies to help farmers access better genetics and extension services so they can consistently produce export-grade animals.
What are the biggest untapped opportunities that could transform pastoralist and livestock farmer livelihoods?
Opportunities at the production level remain largely unexplored. Many smallholder farmers still keep livestock as prestige assets. We need young people to venture into feedlots, aggregation, and fodder production, areas with massive potential. Opportunities also exist in logistics, transport, and processing, where the livestock value chain is rapidly expanding. Livestock is like gold, and we must keep digging.
We have the numbers; our livestock population is large. Additionally, almost 90 per cent of our animals feed on natural grass, meaning our meat has low chemical residues. This is attractive to international buyers. Our proximity to the Indian Ocean also makes transportation faster and cheaper for our customers.
Standards remain a major hurdle. How is the private sector addressing quality, hygiene, and traceability concerns?
We haven’t yet met all international standards, but there is progress. To access premium markets in Europe and America, we must fully implement animal traceability. Consumers in the first world want to know the entire life history of the animal they are consuming. We must invest in commercial farming, feedlots, improved breeds, modern processing facilities, and cold chain logistics to meet global quality expectations.
Market intelligence remains limited among small-scale livestock keepers. How are you bridging this gap?
Our strategy is to ensure a real-time flow of credible information from farmers to consumers and achieve full traceability from farm to fork. We plan to station livestock officers in all major livestock-producing counties across ASAL regions. They will train and build the capacity of farmers to understand market needs.
How can investment partnerships strengthen abattoirs, cold chains, and transport logistics?
We need investors to set up modern cold storage facilities at exit points such as airports and seaports. This will help us overcome disruptions caused by vessel or airline delays. Additionally, processing facilities must be upgraded to meet global standards.
Both levels of government play crucial roles. Livestock markets exist in all 47 counties, yet many are controlled by middlemen who distort prices. Counties must restructure market operations, employ more extension officers, and invest in infrastructure, laboratories, and market facilities. We also need national policies that support private-sector-driven initiatives.
Are there policy bottlenecks or trade barriers limiting access to high-value export markets like the Middle East, Europe, and Asia?
Yes. Our current livestock policy is outdated and not aligned with global market needs. We need regulations that guide how exporters engage with foreign governments. Irresponsible dealings by a few exporters could trigger bans that affect the entire sector.
What steps is Kemlic taking to empower pastoralist communities and integrate them into formal export chains?
We provide timely market information and connect pastoralists directly to international exporters, bypassing brokers. We also train producers on improved livestock production practices to help them cope with drought and produce quality animals for export.
Sustainability and animal welfare are increasingly important in global trade. How is Kenya aligning its meat production practices with international environmental and ethical standards?
International animal-welfare standards are critical both at the production and slaughter stages, and Kenya must fully comply if it is to compete globally. This begins with proper feeding and humane handling of livestock throughout the value chain. For instance, animals should be transported using purpose-built vehicles rather than being piled into open lorries for long journeys.
Counties such as Mandera are more than 1,000km from the main markets in Nairobi, so we need holding facilities along transport corridors to reduce stress and ensure humane rest periods. Animals should not be kept in holding areas for more than 24 hours before slaughter. In addition, policies must strictly prohibit the slaughter of female and pregnant animals to safeguard breeding stock and ensure long-term sustainability.
How can improved data and digital tools revolutionise market intelligence and traceability in Kenya’s livestock sector?
Data is the foundation of a modern livestock economy. We need a comprehensive livestock census and robust digital systems that capture and track every animal and every kilogramme of meat exported from Kenya. A reliable database enhances traceability, supports disease surveillance, informs policy, and helps exporters meet stringent international requirements. Ultimately, data-driven decision-making will boost efficiency, transparency and competitiveness.
What success stories have shown the potential of private sector–driven growth in Kenya’s meat export market?
A key success story is the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform, spearheaded by the African Union–Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR). This platform brings together all stakeholders, including producers, processors, exporters, and regulators, to strengthen coordination and market development. Another milestone influenced by private-sector advocacy is the establishment of the National Livestock Promotion Board Services. This body is expected to streamline policy, support producers and exporters, and drive the modernisation of the livestock industry.
Looking ahead, what is your vision for Kenya’s meat export industry in the next five to 10 years, and what must change now to realise that vision?
Our vision is to export meat products that meet and exceed international quality and safety standards, while fostering strong relationships between producers and exporters.
To achieve this, Kenya must invest in branding its livestock products to enhance market recognition, trust and value. Strengthening compliance, improving infrastructure, and deepening collaboration across the value chain will be essential in transforming Kenya into a globally competitive meat exporter.
