Kenyan livestock farmers seek halt to South African beef imports over FMD fears
Farmers warn that an outbreak in Kenya could disrupt the meat and dairy sectors and affect rural incomes.
AFRICA – The Livestock Association of Kenya has asked the government to immediately stop beef imports from South Africa following a sharp increase in Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreaks across the southern African nation.
According to the association, allowing continued entry of beef products from South Africa could expose Kenya’s livestock industry to the viral disease, which spreads rapidly among cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.
The appeal comes after South African authorities declared the disease outbreak a national disaster following reports of nearly 1,000 infections recorded in several provinces, raising concerns among livestock stakeholders across the region.
Concerns Over Disease Control
The farmers’ lobby wants the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the State Department for Livestock Development to suspend all imports of beef and related products from South Africa until veterinary officials confirm the outbreak has been brought under control.
The association stated that processed meat products could still pose a risk if handling procedures, transport systems, or inspection standards fail at any stage before they reach the Kenyan market.
It further argued that the growing number of infections in South Africa could place pressure on veterinary surveillance and certification systems, increasing the possibility of contaminated products entering export channels.
The group pointed to measures already taken by countries such as Zambia and China, which have suspended imports of South African beef as authorities monitor the situation.
Call for Stricter Border Checks
At the same time, the association urged Kenyan authorities to intensify cargo inspections and screening procedures at border points and airports, including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, to prevent livestock products originating from affected areas from entering the country.
The farmers’ body also called on the government to reduce reliance on imported meat by increasing support for local livestock producers and encouraging investment in youth-led agribusiness ventures linked to the beef value chain.
Industry representatives warned that a local outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease would threaten livestock-dependent households, disrupt trade, and cause losses across Kenya’s dairy and meat industries, which remain key contributors to rural economies.
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