KMT Livestock Research
A Mapping and Analysis of Livestock Finishing and Fattening Enterprises and Business Models in Kenya

Introduction
Meat consumed or exported from Kenya is mainly produced from cattle, sheep and goats, camels, pigs, and poultry
Among these livestock species, cattle produce most of the meat (77%) followed by sheep and goats (19%), and camels (4%). Kenya has a livestock herd of approximately 18.3 million cattle, 25.7 million goats, 18.7 million sheep, 3.3 million camels, 40 million indigenous poultry, 4.2 million layers, 3.7million broilers, 1.2 million other poultry (Turkeys, Ducks, Quails, Guinea fowl, Geese, Pigeons and Doves), 2.2 million donkeys and an undetermined number of companion, game and aquatic animals (MoALF, 2017). With most livestock (70%) being produced by pastoralists, under extensive production systems and customarily kept as assets, livestock production in the country has primarily been subsistence-oriented characterised by low reproductive and productive performance, with minimum technology and human interference, and only traded when necessary.
Study Approach and Methodology
This study was undertaken country-wide, covering different market routes in the arid and semi-arid areas (ASALs), and drawing out the various finishing and fattening models. Data was collected in August 2019 covering F&F operations in Nakuru, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kajiado, Garissa, Kitui, Taita Taveta and Kwale counties. These counties were based on a mapping exercise that identified these counties as the predominant locations for finishing and fattening operations.
The main market/trade routes for livestock, in the arid and semi-arid areas (ASALs), were identified, and documented through a detailed review of literature, and expert interviews. This was complemented by primary data collection from the various finishing and fattening models, during which business model information of the different operations was collected. Information on the livestock species and breeds kept, sourcing and selection of finishers and fatteners, the feeding regime, F&F cycles, and operations, performance monitoring, marketing, the end markets for livestock and an operators’ assessment of profitability was gathered.

Study Findings
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A Mapping and Analysis of Livestock Finishing and Fattening Enterprises and Business Models in Kenya
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