Kenya implements new animal traceability system amid push to expand meat exports

KENYA – Kenya is moving ahead with plans to expand its meat exports within Africa by improving traceability in its livestock population. 

The country has identified Libya and Nigeria as the next target markets.

The Kenya Meat and Livestock Exporters Council revealed this strategy in February as part of efforts to increase the country’s presence in the continent’s meat trade.

For this reason, the government is preparing to launch a livestock identification and monitoring platform dubbed the Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANTITRAC), which officials say will be a key tool in improving traceability and animal health.

The new system, currently being piloted on state-owned farms, will be rolled out in Busia County as its first regional launch.

According to Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, each animal will be fitted with an electronic tag containing a chip that stores critical data.

He explained that the tag will allow officials to retrieve details such as the animal’s owner, weight, birth date, milk production, and vaccination history.

The government says the system is expected to address long-standing issues in the livestock sector, including cattle theft, which has plagued parts of the country for years.

It also comes at a time when local producers are grappling with disease outbreaks and other health concerns that have slowed growth and limited access to high-value markets.

Authorities believe that by introducing nationwide traceability, they can better coordinate disease response efforts and plan targeted interventions to improve herd health.

In addition, the platform is seen as a step toward enhancing the quality and quantity of livestock products like milk and beef.

Mueke noted that while international demand for Kenyan animal products is growing, limited output from farms continues to restrict supply.

He added that ANTITRAC will make livestock more market-ready by increasing transparency and giving buyers access to verified animal records.

The system is also designed to support farmers in improving their herds’ productivity through data tracking and informed management practices.

Beyond Busia, the government intends to expand the system to other regions depending on the results of the ongoing pilot phase.

Although no official rollout date has been announced, authorities have signalled that the program will eventually be implemented nationwide.

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