Kenya's meat production soars to Sh305 billion in 2023, driven by rising demand
The country produced 556,653 metric tonnes of meat in 2023, marking a 19.8 per cent increase from the 464,512 metric tonnes produced in 2022.
Kenya's meat production reached an all-time high in 2023, hitting Sh304.6 billion, driven by strong domestic demand despite rising prices.
According to the latest data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the country produced 556,653 metric tonnes of meat in 2023, marking a 19.8 per cent increase from the 464,512 metric tonnes produced in 2022.
This is the first time that the total value of meat produced in Kenya has surpassed the Sh300 billion mark, underscoring the robust demand for meat in the local market even as prices continue to rise.
"The total meat production in 2023 was 556,653 metric tonnes valued at Sh304.6 billion compared to 464,512 metric tonnes valued at Sh240.7 billion in 2022," the KNBS National Agriculture Production Report 2024 reads.
The report highlights that 65 per cent of the meat produced in 2023 was consumed domestically, indicating the significant local demand for meat products.
Of the total meat production, red meat such as beef, mutton, chevon, and camel meat grew by 23.3 per cent, while white meat, including pork, poultry, and rabbit, increased by 10 per cent compared to the previous year.
Higher prices
The value of meat production is a combination of increased animal slaughter and higher prices.
In 2023, the average price of meat was Sh547,260 per tonne, an increase from Sh518,231 in 2022.
This marks a steady climb from Sh423,023 per tonne in 2019, indicating a consistent upward trend in meat prices over the past few years.
A rise in livestock numbers has coincided with this price increase.
In 2023, Kenya slaughtered around 80 million animals, up from 66.2 million in 2020. Chickens accounted for the majority of the slaughtered animals.
Additionally, the population of cattle grew by 4.8 percent, from 20.9 million in 2022 to 21.9 million in 2023, thanks in part to favourable weather conditions that provided ample pastures and water for livestock.
The population of chickens also increased, rising from 61.7 million in 2022 to 67 million in 2023.
Despite the rising prices, the demand for meat has continued to grow, and the industry remains one of Kenya's most significant agricultural sectors.
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