June 6, 2024

 

Kenya promises more than 400 feedlots to boost domestic meat production

 

 

The government of Kenya has promised 450 fenced livestock feedlots in 31 counties to increase annual red meat production.

 

Speaking on June 1, Kenyan President William Ruto said the government aims to add 108,500 metric tons of red meat translating to a value of KSh54 billion (US$415 million). He said the value chain for red meat has experienced an 8.6% rise in meat exports from 15,000 metric tons valued at KSh9 million in 2022 to 16,000 metric tonnes valued at KSh10 billion.

 

"There has also been a 42% growth in the export of live animals from 33,000 animals in 2022 to 47,000 animals in 2023," he said.

 

According to Ruto, the government implemented a countrywide breed improvement programme in collaboration with counties to upgrade dairy and beef breeds.

 

He said the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre provided farmers with 900,000 bull semen doses in 2023 to increase production and productivity.

 

"I have directed that the cost of sexed semen be brought down from KSh8,000 (US$61.46) to under KSh3,000 (US$23.07) which will enable dairy farmers to increase the production and productivity of milk," he said.

 

He added that the government is implementing several policies, legislative reforms and improvements to transform Kenya's livestock sector, guide training institutions and provide a predictable environment to attract investments.

 

"These frameworks include the Veterinary Policy, Livestock Policy, Livestock Bill, Livestock Masterplan, Food Safety Policy and Food Safety Coordination Bill. All these are at various stages of consideration by the cabinet and parliament," Ruto said.

 

The president said the government is focusing on commercialising and reforming the sector and improving livestock performance to realise the country's Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.

- Capital News