Skip to content 
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe has cautioned that the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), fueled by the misuse of veterinary drugs, could undermine Kenya’s efforts to access premium international meat markets if urgent action is not taken.
Speaking during the opening of the Kenya Meat Conference 2026 in Nyeri, the Cabinet Secretary described antimicrobial resistance as a challenge that extends beyond animal health, warning that it now poses serious risks to public health, food security, and the country’s economy.
“Responsible use of veterinary medicines is becoming a passport to international markets,” Kagwe said, noting that countries importing meat products are increasingly demanding strict compliance with food safety standards, including limits on antimicrobial residues.
He warned that failure to meet these international requirements could reverse years of negotiations aimed at securing new export markets for Kenyan livestock products.
According to the CS, antimicrobial resistance has become a global crisis, with an estimated 5.5 million deaths linked to the problem annually, while Kenya remains among the countries grappling with its growing impact.
To address the challenge, Kagwe said the Government is strengthening regulatory oversight through the Kenya Veterinary Board and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to ensure veterinary medicines are prescribed and administered only under the supervision of qualified professionals.
He said the move forms part of broader livestock sector reforms designed to improve animal health, enhance food safety, and increase Kenya’s competitiveness in global markets.
Among the reforms highlighted was the ongoing National Livestock Vaccination Programme, which aims to reduce disease outbreaks and improve livestock productivity. The Government is also investing in the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI) to increase annual vaccine production from 45 million doses to more than 70 million doses.
In addition, Kagwe said the Government is rolling out the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS) together with the Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANITRAC) to enable livestock products to be traced from farm to market.
“Consumers today want to know where their food comes from. Traceability, food safety and transparency are no longer optional—they are essential for international trade,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary also expressed concern over the continued illegal slaughter of donkeys despite the Government’s ban on commercial donkey slaughter introduced in 2020.
He described the illegal trade as a threat to food safety, public health, animal welfare, and Kenya’s ambitions to become a leading exporter of quality meat products.
Reports indicating that more than 700 donkeys are slaughtered illegally every month, he said, underscore the need for tougher enforcement.
Kagwe directed his ministry to strengthen policies and crack down on individuals involved in the illegal trade.
Beyond regulation, the Cabinet Secretary challenged investors and stakeholders within the livestock value chain to embrace value addition through modern meat processing, branding, certification, and packaging.
He said the Government is working closely with county governments and private sector players to modernize abattoirs and expand export-ready processing facilities capable of meeting international standards.
Kagwe noted that these interventions are part of the Government’s broader strategy to increase livestock’s contribution to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product from 12 percent to 20 percent while raising annual meat production to approximately 990,000 metric tonnes by 2028.
If achieved, he said, the livestock sector is projected to generate nearly KSh450 billion annually, creating more jobs and increasing incomes for farmers across the country.
He called on government agencies, county governments, researchers, financial institutions, and private investors to work together in transforming Kenya into Africa’s leading exporter of safe, traceable, and high-quality meat products.
The two-day Kenya Meat Conference has brought together policymakers, researchers, livestock producers, processors, and industry stakeholders to explore strategies for strengthening the country’s meat industry and unlocking new export opportunities.
By: Samuel Mwangi
