NAIROBI, Kenya, June 7 – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is set to showcase significant gains in Northern Kenya’s livestock sector at the upcoming Kenya Meat Expo 2024 slotted for June 12 through 14.
The event, themed ‘Revolutionizing the Meat Industry for Bottom-Up Economic Transformation’ aims to expand economic opportunities for livestock keepers and diversify Kenya’s meat industry.
During the expo, USAID, through the Kenya Livestock Market System (USAID KLMS) Activity, will facilitate key discussions on co-investments between the government and private sector in the livestock value chain, the role of cooperatives, and efforts towards drought and flood mitigation.
Additionally, USAID will support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in showcasing advancements in the meat value chain, reflecting on the achievements and lessons learned over the past seven years in Northern Kenya.
“Over the past seven years, USAID through LMS Activity has boosted Northern Kenya’s resilience by enhancing market access for pastoralists and traders through targeted interventions and strategic partnerships,” said Joe Sanders, Chief of Party of USAID LMS.
On his part, US Government Feed the Future Country Coordinator at USAID Kenya/East Africa Andrew McCown emphasized the commitment to creating jobs, increasing access to services, and raising incomes for livestock producers in Kenya.
“As we participate in the Meat Expo, we are committed to partnering with the Government of Kenya to create jobs and increase access to services and incomes for livestock producers aimed at wealth creation through value addition in the meat sector,” McCown stated.
Kenya’s meat market is projected to grow by 10 percent by 2028.
Arid and semi-arid counties, which significantly contribute to the livestock sector, are poised for key investments to enhance competitiveness, build resilience against challenges like droughts, and improve community livelihoods.
Since 2017, USAID’s efforts have benefited over 111,125 households in Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana, and Wajir counties through a strengthened market system supported by the KLMS activity.
