CS Kagwe urges Kenya to invest in meat processing to unlock US$3.01B industry
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe calls for modern technology, stronger processing capacity and new export markets to increase livestock incomes and create jobs.
KENYA – Kenya’s Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for increased investment in meat processing, technology, value addition and premium export markets to unlock the potential of the country’s Kes 397 billion (US$3.01B) meat industry.
Speaking at the Kenya Meat Expo 2026, Kagwe said Kenya’s livestock sector had reached a strategic turning point, supported by a large livestock base, rising domestic demand and geographical advantages.
Kenya produced 613,627 tonnes of meat in 2024, valued at approximately Kes 397 billion, according to Kagwe. Production increased 10.2% in volume and 30.5% in value from 2023.
Beef accounted for about 260,000 tonnes worth Kes 160 billion (US$1.24B), while opportunities also exist in goat meat, mutton, poultry, camel meat, pork and emerging value chains such as rabbit meat.
Kagwe warned that exporting live animals limits the economic benefits available to Kenyans by transferring jobs and business opportunities abroad.
“When we export the animals, then we are sending out jobs. We are exporting jobs to Europe. We are exporting jobs to Dubai. We are exporting jobs to the Middle East,” he said.
The CS urged greater investment in meat processing, branding and product development so Kenya can export finished meat products and increase earnings for farmers and pastoralists.
Kenya has about 2,000 slaughter facilities, comprising 49 large slaughterhouses, 322 medium slaughterhouses and about 1,530 slaughter slabs. Kagwe said the priority should now be improving quality, efficiency and capacity utilisation rather than simply increasing the number of facilities.
“It is not just a question of quantity. It is also an issue of quality,” he said.
He called for improvements in hygiene, meat inspection, refrigeration, regulatory compliance, waste management, logistics and market connectivity to ensure Kenyan meat products meet international standards and secure premium prices.
Kagwe also identified the Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANITRAC) as a key part of efforts to modernise Kenya’s livestock sector. The system will trace animals from their origin and ownership through vaccination records, movements and eventual slaughter.
“Going forward, every Kenyan animal should have an identity and a traceable history,” Kagwe said.
He said the technology was being developed locally, including chips and systems by Kenyan universities. ANITRAC is also expected to strengthen efforts against livestock theft and banditry by making interference with animal identification detectable.
Kagwe called for investment in improved livestock genetics, artificial insemination, breeding, animal nutrition and commercial feedlots. He also urged climate-smart production, water pans, boreholes and livestock insurance to protect farmers against drought, floods and extreme weather events.
He urged national and county governments and the private sector to work together to strengthen the livestock value chain. Kagwe also encouraged young people to pursue opportunities in breeding, processing, manufacturing, technology, branding, logistics and trade.
The CS highlighted hides and skins, saying better animal handling could improve by-product quality and support Kenya’s leather industry.
He also called for new international markets, citing Algeria and its reported demand for one million goats during Ramadan.
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