Kenya has taken a major step toward boosting regional agricultural trade following the participation of the Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, Hon. Jonathan Mueke, in a high-level IGAD forum aimed at enhancing cross-border movement of livestock, crops, and agricultural inputs. The meeting, convened under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), brought together regional partners committed to easing trade restrictions and strengthening agricultural integration across member states.
PS Mueke emphasized that the new protocols under discussion will make the movement of agricultural products easier, safer, and more efficient. By reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and simplifying trade procedures, the initiative is expected to provide farmers with seamless access to regional markets. This, he noted, is a crucial step in unlocking greater economic opportunities for Kenya’s agricultural sector.
A central focus of the IGAD consultations is improving disease surveillance and harmonizing agricultural and livestock standards among member states. These measures will not only protect regional herds and crops but also ensure product quality and safety. Experts at the forum underscored that harmonized standards will enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan exports and build confidence among trading partners.
The move comes at a time when Kenya is scaling up its agricultural production to meet growing local and regional demand. The new frameworks promise to create a predictable trading environment, enabling farmers to invest more confidently and expand their operations. With reduced trade barriers, Kenyan producers are expected to penetrate larger markets and secure better income streams.
According to PS Mueke, these efforts reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s food systems and supporting farmers at all levels. By collaborating with regional bodies such as IGAD, Kenya aims to build resilient, competitive, and well-integrated agricultural value chains that improve livelihoods and enhance food security for every household.
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