The event was geared towards providing players along the meat value chain an opportunity to showcase their work, products, learn and benchmark with others on industry best practices as well as grow their business network. Businesses offering related products, equipment and technologies were also present.
Livestock is a significant part of the global economy, contributing to economic growth, poverty reduction and nutrition. The sector contributes 40% of global agricultural output and supports the livelihoods and food security of almost 1.3 billion people, including 500 million pastoralists. For these pastoralists, livestock provide income and employment, a store of wealth, resilience to shocks, and food security, in addition to holding cultural significance.
Whilst livestock is globally important, it is fundamental to Kenya’s economy. The sector contributes between 10% to 13% of national GDP and employs up to 50% of the agricultural labour force. Ten million Kenyans live in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) that make up the majority of Kenya’s landmass, the majority of whom rely to some degree on livestock for their livelihoods. The importance of livestock is set to rise further, as growing incomes lead to higher meat consumption. For example, demand for beef in Kenya is expected to increase by over 170% between 2010 and 2050.
This deficit will only continue to grow unless binding constraints are addressed, as population growth and rising incomes in urban areas are expected to increase demand for meat in the coming decades. The sector is currently fragmented, inefficient and experiences high losses due to drought, disease, and rot due to poor handling practises.
Low modernisation of the sector causes Kenyan pastoralists suffer losses from droughts and consistently produce cattle below their potential weight. Also, post-harvest losses are huge during the production and retailing processes. Meat safety and quality has also affected the industry, and this is witnessed by shifting consumer demands and behaviours.
Consumer preferences are also changing. Higher incomes in emerging markets are increasing demand for new meat products and higher food safety standards, whilst environmental concerns are leading consumers to avoid harmful chemicals and unsustainable production practices.
Being the first of its kind in this country and probably in eastern and central Africa, the systemic vision is to transition the sector to modernisation, a sector that is responsive of the 22nd century challenges and opportunities presented for Africa and the globalisation move. Climate change, high population of young men and women under the age of 30 years and the technological advancements Kenya is exposed to.
This 254 Meat Expo presents the next best time to have a conversation that prepares the industry to these opportunities of today and the future.
The expo brought together processors, retailers, policymakers, other meat value chain actors and consumers to:
On 18th and 19th of November 2021, the first-ever meat expo in Kenya was held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). The expo was visited by close to 10,000 people and had over 70 exhibitors across the meat value chain. During the expo, a few companies gave an account of their experience and how their businesses benefited.
The mandate of the Ministry includes Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives to ensure food and nutrition security for all and sustain economic development.
Kenya Markets Trust works to sustainably improve the lives of Kenyans by transforming its key market systems.
Meat and Livestock Exporters Industry Council of Kenya (KEMLEIC) Council membership comprises a group of meat and livestock exporters, producers and processors with a vision to revolutionize livestock and meat production systems in Kenya.
The Retail Trade Association of Kenya (RETRAK) is the voice of the retail industry with the main objective being to provide retailers with a central representative body to put across their agenda and retail trade concerns to government agencies, parliament and other bodies for their benefit.
The Nation Media Group is the largest independent media house in East and Central Africa with operations in print, broadcast and digital media, which attract and serve unparalleled audiences in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Blog and news items from the 2021 KICC Meat Expo
Here are a few recordings from conversations around the meat expo. Some of the videos are from the pre-launch that took place in Athi River at the KMC factory. The discussions were aired live on NTV. The discussions revolved around ways of uplifting our meat sector in Kenya.
