The fourth edition of the Kenya Meat Expo and Conference kicks off this Wednesday, promising a sizzling experience, key lessons for livestock farmers, butchery owners, and other meat handlers, as well as the full exploitation of the meat value chain through expert-led masterclasses.
The annual event, organized by Nation Media Group (NMG) PLC, will take place from Wednesday, August 6, to Friday, August 8, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi.
The targeted masterclasses are tailored to enhance skills in livestock production, financial preparedness, animal finishing, sustainable practices, and regulatory compliance.
Building on the success of previous editions since the Expo’s inception in 2021, farmers from across the country will receive practical training on cost-effective livestock rearing techniques—particularly vital amid rising animal feed prices.
Nation Media Group General Manager Commercial, James Sogoti(2nd right), during a courtesy visit to the State Department of Livestock Development, where the planning committee held a meeting for the upcoming Kenya Meat Expo.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
For the past six years, Kenya’s agricultural and livestock sectors have grappled with the adverse impacts of climate change, including erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts. These conditions have exacerbated the already high cost of animal feed, straining farmers’ ability to sustain their operations.
James Sogoti, NMG General Manager – Commercial, says the masterclass training initiative leverages expert insights on fodder management, pasture production, and climate-resilient technologies to help livestock keepers remain competitive.
Additionally, it will feature intensive discussions on secondary beef production, including grazing systems, beef cattle nutrition, financial viability, market access, adaptability to changing regulations, and other key industry topics.
“Meat comes from our livestock farmers. Yet, the sector remains largely informal and is burdened with challenges—chief among them being the rising cost of feed and lack of infrastructure, including market linkages for meat and meat products,” said Mr Sogoti.
“Creating a platform where farmers can interact with the government, key industry players, and policymakers is essential. These masterclasses aim to empower them to reduce production costs and improve efficiency.”
Dr Jonathan M. Mueke(left), the Principal Secretary, State Department for Livestock Development and other guests visit a stand during the third edition of the Kenya Meat Expo at KICC, Nairobi, on June 12, 2024. The event is organised annually by the Nation Media Group.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi| Nation Media Group
He further noted that the initiative adds significant value to the sector, with farmers learning about climate-resilient, high-yielding, and easy-to-grow forages, ultimately enhancing meat production in the country.
Meat remains a delicacy in nearly every Kenyan household, and the livestock sector contributes approximately 12 percent to the national GDP.
In addition to the masterclasses, this year’s Expo will offer a sizzling experience that showcases the meat industry from end to end.
“We will explore topics including food safety, trade, policy, technological innovation, business promotion, value addition, processing, cold chain systems, and storage solutions. Our goal is to support the sector’s growth while amplifying these developments across our print, broadcast, and digital platforms,” Mr Sogoti explained.
With over 100 confirmed exhibitors—primarily Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—meat lovers will have the chance to sample a variety of delicacies sourced from all types of livestock.
Vendors will present diverse meat cuts and demonstrate modern cooking technologies, giving visitors a true taste of Kenyan meat culture.
Kenya’s key export markets for meat and meat products currently include the Middle East—particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—and East Africa. The GCC includes the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman.
Locally, demand for meat is also growing, especially among high-income households seeking quality and traceable products.
The Kenya Meat Commission (KMC), a state-owned processor operating a Halal-certified slaughterhouse, is targeting the Gulf markets for export.
“Arab countries are among the largest consumers of Kenyan meat and meat products. Before the end of this year, KMC plans to commence exports to the Gulf. Preparations are already underway,” said KMC’s Managing Commissioner, Major General Jattani Gula, in an exclusive interview.
Sabina Kaugi, Marketing Manager of Eastmeat Supplies LTD, interacts with exhibition participants during the Kenya Meat Expo at KICC Nairobi on June 13, 2024.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi| Nation Media Group
Other partners include the Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK), the Meat and Livestock Exporters Industry Council of Kenya (KEMLEIC), the Drylands Learning and Capacity Building Initiative, the Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, and the Kenya Export Promotion & Branding Agency.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is the lead partner convening the industry stakeholders, with Gatsby Africa being the sector facilitator.
The Expo brings together players from both the public and private sectors, offering farmers opportunities to network, discover new markets, and engage with industry professionals.
The fourth edition of the Expo will be officially opened by the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mr Mutahi Kagwe. The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Livestock Development, Mr Jonathan Mueke, will officially close the three-day conference on Friday.
To expand the reach of such impactful initiatives, NMG plans to roll out similar events at the county level, particularly targeting grassroots farmers in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), who play a crucial role in the country’s meat industry.
