Stakeholders Rally to Transform Kenya’s Pig Sector as Demand Set to Surge 125% by 2030

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By Irene 


Stakeholders from across Kenya’s livestock industry have convened in Nairobi to explore ways of unlocking the country’s pig sector, amid rising demand for pork and growing recognition of its economic and nutritional value.

The high-level Stakeholder Sensitisation Forum on the National Pig Value Chain, held at Safari Park Hotel, was organised by Farmer’s Choice Limited in partnership with the State Department for Livestock Development.

 The meeting brought together government officials, private sector players, and development partners to assess the current state of the industry and chart a path forward.

Kenya’s pig value chain currently supports an estimated 1.5 million households and contributes KES 19.5 billion—about 5% of the livestock sector’s total output. However, despite this contribution, per capita pork consumption remains low at just 0.4 kg per person annually, falling short of the World Health Organization’s recommended 0.8 kg.
With demand projected to grow by more than 125% by 2030—driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and shifting dietary preferences—the sector is increasingly seen as a key pillar in enhancing food security and boosting farmer incomes.

Speaking during the forum, Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke said the government is prioritising the pig value chain as part of broader agricultural transformation efforts.

“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. “However, we must address persistent challenges such as disease management, feed affordability, traceability, and market access to meet the growing demand.”

Industry players highlighted several bottlenecks that continue to hinder growth, including the high cost of quality animal feed, recurring disease outbreaks such as African swine fever, and limited processing capacity. Gaps in cold-chain infrastructure and market access were also cited as major barriers affecting efficiency and profitability.

Chief Executive Officer of Farmer’s Choice Limited, Felisters Gitau Mutugu, called for stronger collaboration across the value chain.

“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 expand opportunities for farmers.”

The forum is part of the ongoing implementation of the National Pig Value Chain Development Strategy (2025–2029), which aims to strengthen public-private partnerships and empower smallholder farmers through targeted interventions. These include farmer training programmes, public awareness campaigns on pork nutrition and safety, and initiatives to expand market access.

Beyond its economic promise, stakeholders noted the sector’s contribution to nutrition and sustainability. Pork is a rich source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals, while pigs offer a more efficient production cycle and lower emissions compared to some other livestock.

If effectively developed, the pig sector is expected to play a critical role in improving household incomes, reducing Kenya’s protein deficit, and advancing the country’s food security agenda in line with global development goals.

As demand continues to rise, stakeholders expressed optimism that coordinated efforts and strategic investments could unlock the full potential of Kenya’s pig value chain in the coming years.

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