Poultry meat and offal market in Kenya

Earlier Report Observations

Poultry meat production in Kenya began the period at 263 thousand tons in 2018, a level supported by the active role of the state-owned Kenya Meat Commission and a notable consumer shift in preference from red meat to white meat. However, output fell sharply to 177 thousand tons in 2019 and further to 138 thousand tons in 2020, before beginning a recovery in 2021.

Market volume rebounded to 179 thousand tons in 2021 and reached 188 thousand tons by 2023. This recovery aligned with the poultry sector's identification as the fastest-growing livestock segment, driven by rising demand from an urbanizing population. The base of small-scale farmers expanded to around 3 million, and efforts to improve evisceration and chilling practices enhanced meat safety and quality. Furthermore, in 2023, growth was supported by Kenya leveraging trade agreements with the European Union to increase meat exports.

The sector's development continued with a focus on efficiency and investment in 2024. This included the adoption of automated feeding systems to reduce costs, the introduction of value-added products like marinated cuts, and reinforced government commitment to agricultural growth through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

Production poultry meat and offal in Kenya

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

Poultry meat and offal production in Kenya has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, Kenya produced 138.4 thousand tonnes, marking a significant year-on-year decrease of 22.0%. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 35%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 13.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 263.4 thousand tonnes. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 23.7%, while the steepest drop was in 2019 at 32.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Kenya's poultry meat and offal production has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 618 million US dollars, showing a substantial year-on-year drop of 32.3%. Between 2017 and 2020, production value declined by 41.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.3%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 1 186 million US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase that year at 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kenya in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports poultry meat and offal from Kenya

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited considerable volatility during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kenya's poultry meat and offal exports totaled 61 tonnes, representing a 169.7% increase compared to 2019. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year decline that year at 24.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Rwanda, Bunkers, and South Sudan were the key export partners for Kenya's poultry meat and offal in volume terms. Rwanda accounted for 30.7% of exports, Bunkers for 23.7%, and South Sudan for 12.7%. Together, these three partners represented 67.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Kenya in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.3-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Kenya's poultry meat and offal exports reached 270 thousand US dollars, marking a 134.1% rise compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 115 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year decline that year at 14.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kenya in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, Rwanda, Bunkers, and South Sudan formed the core group of export partners for Kenya's poultry meat and offal in value terms. Rwanda accounted for 30.9% of exports, Bunkers for 18.6%, and South Sudan for 12.7%. Collectively, these three partners represented 62.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Kenya in value, 2017-2020

Imports poultry meat and offal to Kenya

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import volumes were at their minimum in 2017 and reached their maximum in 2020, with an 18-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kenya's poultry meat and offal imports totaled 1 449 tonnes, amounting to a 278.8% increase over the previous year. The largest year-on-year decline occurred in 2019 at 51.8%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 895.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kenya in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda was the dominant supplier of poultry meat and offal to Kenya in volume terms, accounting for 95.2% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Kenya in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Import values were at their lowest in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 12.9-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Kenya's poultry meat and offal imports registered 3 895 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp year-on-year rise of 322.3%. The largest year-on-year decline was in 2019 at 65.1%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018 at 772.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kenya in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over the 2017–2020 period, Uganda was by far the main source for Kenya's poultry meat and offal imports in value terms, accounting for 96.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Kenya in value, 2017-2020