China's demand for camel milk avails Sh5bn market opportunity for Kenyan farmers

The President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr Erick Rutto has revealed China's demand for 9 million litres of camel milk annually from Kenya, noting that it was a great opportunity for livestock farmers in Northern Kenya.

Speaking during the luncheon of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry's four-year strategic plan for the Garissa Chapter on Wednesday, Rutto encouraged the camel dairy farmers to tap into China's ready market.

"This will help the Kenya camel milk dairy farmers receive Sh5.2 billion annually from China," he revealed.

He urged the county governments in Northern Kenya to invest in supporting the local camel milk dairy farmers to enable them to venture into the global camel dairy market in China and other countries.

He said the global demand for livestock products was increasing and further announced Oman's demand for 500 tonnes of blackhead sheep meat from Kenya, amounting to Sh8.1 billion.

"The global demand for livestock products is an opportunity we need to tap into, we are still looking for opportunities to link both the local livestock and crop farmers to the international market," Dr Rutto said.

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Erick Rutto during the launch of the KNCCI four-year Strategic Plan for the Garissa Chapter on April 24, 2024. (Photo: Issa Hussein)

He called upon the Garissa Chapter to implement the strategic plan that targets to recruit at least 10,000 members, attract investors and increase business opportunities among them.

Shariah-complaint Sacco

He also mentioned plans by the KNCCI in partnership with Mastercard to launch a Shariah-complaint Sacco that will provide loans to the business community.

The Yemeni Ambassador to Kenya Abdul Salam Al-Awadi who attended the luncheon said Yemen was also ready to partner with Kenya on business opportunities in the livestock sector.

The Deputy President of KNCCI Mustafa Ramadhan called upon the Garissa KNCCI chapter to carry out a mapping of the available natural resources and business investment opportunities.

"Our visit informs us of the availability of natural resources including Gypsum mining and agricultural products in Garissa. Let the local chamber chapter, research all the existing potentials and we do linkages on the available market," he said.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama said Garissa was planning to hold a major investment forum that will also enhance business opportunities for the business community and both national and international investors.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama during the launch of the KNCCI four-year Strategic Plan for the Garissa Chapter on April 24, 2024. (Photo: Issa Hussein)

He said the county's Department of Trade and Investment was ready to work with the Garissa KNCCI chapter towards the successful implementation of the strategic plan.

Garissa Township MP Dekow Barrow challenged the business community to go beyond the duplication of small business enterprises and tap into the opportunities available in the global market.

"Let's harness resources together and invest in the manufacturing industries to create both market and job opportunities," the MP urged.

The chairperson of the Garissa chapter of KNCCI Mohamed Salat Ahmed said the four-year strategic plan supported by donors will help the business community seize opportunities that never existed before.

"We are clear on the fact that the overall direction, effectiveness, supervision and accountability of the institution are not on one single individual or a group of individuals but a collective responsibility that should be guided in an organised process underpinned by a strategic blueprint," Mohamed said.