Meat export to Mid East countries up, says PS

Kenya has increased its export of meat to countries in Middle East in the last two years.

Most of the exports has gone to Egypt, Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates.

Livestock Development Permanent Secretary Kenneth Lusaka said the country’s meat was now acceptable in the international market.

Speaking during the launch of strategic plan for Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute, the PS said the country would work towards creation of disease-free zones to entrench its position in meat exports.

“The Vision 2030 has identified the creation of disease-free zones as one of the flagship projects whose main objective is to ensure production of clean animals that could comfortably trade at international markets,” he said.

Disease-free zone

Plans to set up disease-free zone in Laikipia however hit a snag after some of the ranchers insisted on maintaining wildlife conservancies.

The project was therefore transferred to the Coast region.

Mr Lusaka added that Kevevapi had a great role in production and marketing of high quality vaccines to protect livestock.

According to government figures, the livestock sector contributes 12 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product, and accounts for 50 per cent of the wealth from the agricultural sector.

The 2009 population and housing census shows Kenya had 3.4 million grade cows, 14.1 million indigenous cattle, 17.1 million sheep, 27.7 million goats, 2.9 million camels, 25.8 million indigenous chicken and 6.1 million broilers.

The minister said the sector needed reforms and investments to remain relevant and competitive.

During this year’s budget, the government provided Kevevapi with a grant of Sh70 million to upgrade some of its machines that are now obsolete.