Kenya partners with Farmer’s Choice to accelerate pig value chain reforms

KENYA – The Farmer’s Choice Limited and the State Department for Livestock Development have signed a framework of collaboration to strengthen Kenya’s pig value chain, targeting increased production, improved market access, and broader farmer participation. 

The agreement signed during a multi-stakeholder sensitisation forum, under the theme The Role of Pork in Nutrition and Sustainable Value Chains, brought together public and private sector actors to advance the National Pig Value Chain Development Strategy (2025–2029).

The framework establishes a structured implementation pathway to improve coordination between government and industry while accelerating transformation across the pig sector, from production to market.

“Strengthening the pig value chain from production to food safety to market access can improve the availability of safe, nutritious pork, enhancing diet quality and contributing meaningfully to improved nutrition outcomes in Kenya,” said Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke, in attendance.

He added that constraints, including African swine fever outbreaks, high feed prices, and weak cold-chain and processing infrastructure, continue to limit growth across the value chain.

Under the collaboration, Farmer’s Choice will train and register 40,000 youth and women within the next 12 months. 

The initiative aims to expand participation across the value chain while building farmer capacity at scale.

County-level sensitisation forums were also planned. 

These will focus on strengthening extension services, increasing awareness, and driving adoption of improved practices among farming communities.

Chief Executive Officer Felisters Gitau Mutugu said coordinated investment across the value chain is critical to improving sector performance and farmer incomes.

She highlighted the need for stronger food safety systems, enhanced traceability, and better market linkages between producers and processors.

The forum emphasised the importance of policy and regulatory support, and stakeholders called for continued investment in animal health, productivity, and climate-smart livestock practices.

The government said it will continue to provide an enabling environment through strengthened policy implementation, compliance, and institutional support. 

This includes promoting innovations that improve productivity while safeguarding animal health and environmental sustainability.

Market outlook

The partnership comes as Kenya seeks to grow in a sector with rising demand but persistent structural challenges. 

Pork consumption remains low at about 0.4 kg per person annually, compared to the World Health Organisation’s recommended 0.8 kg. 

Despite this, the pig sector contributes an estimated Ksh19.5 billion, accounting for about 5% of total livestock output.

Demand is projected to grow by more than 125% by 2030. This is driven by urbanisation, population growth, and shifting dietary preferences.

Mueke said the government is prioritising the pig sector as part of broader efforts to improve food security and agricultural productivity.

Compared to ruminant livestock, pig production also offers relatively efficient conversion rates.

If effectively implemented, the reforms are expected to boost rural incomes, strengthen food systems, and help address Kenya’s protein deficit. 

The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2 on Zero Hunger.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.