Stakeholders push reforms to unlock Sh19.5bn pig industry
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 14 – Industry players are pushing for structural reforms and investment in Kenya’s pig value chain as rising pork demand exposes supply-side constraints, even as the sector shows strong growth potential.
At a stakeholder forum convened in Nairobi by Farmer’s Choice Limited in partnership with the State Department for Livestock Development, government and private sector actors warned that persistent inefficiencies could limit the industry’s ability to meet projected demand.
Kenya’s pork consumption remains relatively low at 0.4 kilogrammes per capita annually about half the level recommended by the World Health Organization despite the sub-sector contributing an estimated Sh19.5 billion, or roughly five percent of total livestock output.
However, demand is projected to expand by more than 125 percent by 2030, driven by urbanisation, population growth and shifting consumer preferences toward alternative proteins.
Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke said the government is increasingly viewing the pig sector as a strategic pillar in enhancing food security and boosting farmer incomes.
“The pig value chain presents a significant opportunity for Kenya to diversify its sources of animal protein while improving incomes for smallholder farmers,” he said.
“Addressing constraints such as disease management, feed affordability, traceability, and market access will be critical to closing the supply gap and meeting growing demand.”
The sector currently supports about 1.5 million households, with policymakers positioning it as a viable pathway for rural income diversification.
But stakeholders say high feed costs, disease outbreaks particularly African swine fever and limited processing capacity continue to weigh on productivity and profitability.
Inadequate cold-chain infrastructure and weak market linkages have further constrained access to formal markets, limiting the sector’s ability to scale efficiently.
Chief Executive Officer of Farmer’s Choice Limited Felisters Gitau Mutugu called for a coordinated approach across the value chain to unlock growth.
“Transforming the pig value chain requires deliberate and sustained collaboration across production, processing, markets, and policy,” she said.
“We must invest in farmer capacity, strengthen traceability and food safety systems, and build consumer trust, while expanding market access and opportunities for farmers.”
The forum forms part of the implementation of the National Pig Value Chain Development Strategy (2025–2029), which seeks to deepen public-private partnerships and improve productivity among smallholder farmers through training, improved extension services and enhanced market access.
Beyond its commercial prospects, stakeholders highlighted the sector’s role in addressing Kenya’s protein deficit.
Pork offers a relatively efficient source of animal protein, with shorter production cycles and lower emissions per kilogramme compared to ruminant livestock.