The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke has revealed that Kenya’s appetite for pork is almost twice the country’s current production, highlighting a major supply gap in the livestock sector.
According to Mueke, demand in 2025 reached about 38,500 metric tonnes, while local production stood at just 23,000 metric tonnes. He noted that this shortfall signals significant untapped potential for farmers and investors.
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Speaking during a pig value chain stakeholders’ forum at Safari Park Hotel, the PS said the industry is already worth around Sh20 billion despite the deficit.
He added that per capita pork consumption in Kenya remains low at 0.4 kilogrammes, compared to the global average of 0.8 kilogrammes—indicating room for growth.
Mueke projected that pork consumption could increase by up to 125 per cent by 2030, driven by urbanisation and shifting dietary habits. He emphasized that this presents an opportunity to expand production, improve value addition, and strengthen market systems.
He further pointed out that the pig value chain plays a key role in creating jobs and boosting incomes, particularly for smallholder farmers who make up about 80 per cent of producers.
He also described pork as an affordable and high-quality source of protein that can enhance food and nutrition security.
Kenya’s pig population currently stands at roughly 981,182.
However, Mueke acknowledged several challenges facing the sector, including high feed costs, disease outbreaks such as African swine fever, and limited market access due to inadequate processing facilities and cold-chain systems.
Industry stakeholders, including Felisters Gitau Mutugu of Farmer’s Choice Limited, called for stronger collaboration across the value chain. She emphasized the need for investment in farmer training, food safety systems, and market expansion, noting that pig farming offers a fast and efficient way to meet the growing demand for protein.
