Friday 17th April, 2026 12:09 AM|
Kenya is intensifying efforts to expand its meat exports to the Middle East and other global markets despite ongoing disruptions affecting trade routes, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui has said.
Speaking during an interview on April 16, 2026, Kinyanjui said the Middle East remains one of Kenya’s fastest-growing export destinations for meat products, even though supply has not kept pace with rising demand due to external disruptions affecting logistics and trade flows.
Export market challenges and losses
Kinyanjui said Kenyan exporters have struggled to meet increasing demand in the Middle East market, which has historically absorbed a significant share of the country’s meat exports.
“The most critical thing is that one of our fastest growing areas, especially for meat, has been the Middle East area. And in spite of the growth, we were not able to meet the demand,” he said.
Recent disruptions in regional and global trade routes have affected livestock exports, with reports indicating losses across the sector and reduced operations in export slaughterhouses.
Shipping interruptions have also contributed to delays and stranded consignments, affecting cold chain logistics and export capacity.
Expansion into China and Africa
The Cabinet Secretary said Kenya is pursuing diversification of export markets, including expanded access to China and African markets. He noted that Kenya has signed a trade agreement granting zero-tariff and zero-quota access to the Chinese market of 1.4 billion consumers.
“In a 1.4 billion market, even if you got a half percent, that would still be a long call,” Kinyanjui said.
He added that Kenya is working with exporters to tap into the new opportunities while also strengthening its presence in African markets through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to improve intra-African trade and reduce barriers.
Logistics and trade strategy
Kinyanjui said efforts are underway to address logistical challenges affecting exports, including limited shipping capacity and infrastructure gaps. He noted that improving transport systems and cold chain facilities remains central to sustaining export growth.
He said Kenya is also engaging in discussions to improve access to additional markets, including ongoing trade talks with the United States, which he said are near completion.
Treasury officials have also emphasised the need for diversification into multiple markets to reduce reliance on a single region and strengthen resilience in the livestock sector.
The government has identified expansion of port infrastructure and regional trade integration as key priorities in supporting long-term export growth and stabilising earnings for producers.
