An Audit of Constraints and Opportunities in Kenya’s Livestock Export Value Chain

Abstract

For a long time Kenya has desired to access lucrative export markets for her livestock products. Although this desire matches the growing global demand for livestock products and increasing interest in livestock products from Kenya by livestock deficient countries, Kenya has not been able to meet the expressed demand. The reasons for this failure have not been sufficiently documented. This study used the value chain approach to assess and document the factors that limit Kenya’s export trade in livestock. Questionnaire interviews were undertaken with livestock producers, traders, processors and importers. Producers cited livestock diseases, poor roads, drought, livestock theft and insecurity as the main constraints to livestock supply. Livestock traders mentioned high cost and delays in obtaining movement permits, rent-seeking and disturbance by government officials along the stock routes as some of the constraints. Processors on the other hand mentioned Kenya’s failure to meet the international sanitary requirements. The only importer interviewed indicated that trade restrictions, Kenya’s inability to control livestock diseases and distance were the main constraints to increased livestock trade with Kenya. Stakeholders in Kenya’s livestock export value chain should address these and other constraints in order to revitalize this vital sector.