The global food market is increasingly demanding safer, fully traceable products, with consumers seeking to understand the complete “Farm to Fork” journey of what they eat. According to the Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, Hon. Jonathan Mueke, this shift presents a major opportunity for Kenya’s livestock sector to tap into premium international markets—provided the country adopts high-level transparency and traceability systems.
To meet these demands, the government has intensified efforts to upgrade traceability in the livestock value chain. Central to this initiative is the newly developed Animal Identification and Traceability System (AITS), a digital platform that registers animals, documents their movement, and records health information. The PS emphasized that the system will also curb illegal livestock movement and enhance disease control, ultimately strengthening market credibility.
Mueke revealed that even before full nationwide implementation, the mere adoption of the traceability policy has already produced significant results. Kenya’s meat exports have increased by an impressive 45 percent, underscoring the trust that global buyers place in countries with robust data-backed systems. This growth signals the transformative potential of digital innovation within the livestock sector.
He further noted that technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and blockchain are at the heart of this progress. These tools ensure accurate, tamper-proof records, providing international markets with verified information about the origin and handling of animal products. Such transparency, he said, is essential for competing in today’s highly regulated global food industry.
The PS affirmed the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development’s commitment to supporting farmers as Kenya moves toward a fully traceable livestock ecosystem. Through these reforms, Kenya aims not only to boost export earnings but also to position itself as a trusted global supplier of safe, high-quality animal products. #MoALD #AgriNext
