Nairobi: Agriculture stands as the cornerstone of Kenya's economy, contributing significantly to the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and serving as a primary employment source, particularly in rural areas. The sector is vital for the livelihoods of many Kenyans, with an estimated 70 percent of the rural population relying on agriculture for employment. The livestock sector, a crucial component of agriculture, contributes 12 percent to the national GDP and accounts for 42 percent of the agricultural GDP.
According to Kenya News Agency, the livestock industry generated approximately Sh. 190.5 billion in 2023, equivalent to about 1.5 billion US dollars, from livestock production and products. Cattle and calves alone contributed Sh. 112.7 billion, or roughly 870 million US dollars. The animal population, as of 2017, included 44.6 million poultry, 18.8 million cattle, 26.7 million goats, 18.9 million sheep, 3.2 million camels, 1.9 million donkeys, and 0.5 million pigs. These numbers have reportedly increased by 2025.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) notes that Kenya's beef production is at 588,000 metric tonnes, with cow milk production reaching 4.1 billion litres annually. The demand for livestock products is expected to rise significantly by 2050, driven by population growth. The "Future of Livestock in Kenya 2019" report projects that meat and cow milk consumption will increase by 1.4 and 6.6 million metric tonnes annually, respectively.
In response to the rising demand, the government and stakeholders are enhancing the productivity of the livestock sector. The pig sub-sector, in particular, is witnessing growing demand. Data reveals that Kenya produced 40,055 tonnes of pork from 840,160 pigs in 2023, generating Sh. 19.5 billion. Pork consumption is expected to rise to 17,100 metric tonnes by 2026, growing at one percent annually since 2021.
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), through the Dairy Training Institute (DTI) in Naivasha, is intensifying efforts to produce better-quality pig breeds. Mr. McDonald Githinji, head of the pig rearing section at Naivasha Dairy Institute, highlights four main pig breeds: Large White (Yorkshire), Landrace, Duroc, and Hampshire. These breeds are recommended for their quick maturation and high meat yield.
Githinji emphasizes the increasing demand for piglets as farmers seek high-quality breeds for better returns. New breeds mature in 4-6 months, achieving a weight of approximately 130 kilograms, as opposed to earlier breeds taking up to nine months. Proper feeding is crucial for attaining desired market weight, which enhances financial returns for farmers.
With proper feeding, a mature pig can be sold for Sh. 15,000 to 20,000, with farmers earning up to Sh. 7,000 after production costs. Githinji urges farmers to consider pig farming to meet market demand and maximize profits. The demand for pork products like sausages and bacon is rising, especially in major towns such as Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kiambu.
Githinji advocates for pig farming as a profitable venture, especially for youth, due to its minimal space requirements. The intensive system allows for efficient production within small spaces, yielding higher returns. The institute plans to expand its pig breeding facility to produce 200 piglets monthly, aiming to supply 2,000 piglets by year-end.
However, farmers face challenges with high pig feed costs due to scarce raw materials. Manufacturers have resorted to importing raw materials, raising feed costs. Some farmers have turned to low-nutritional feeds, impacting returns and exposing animals to diseases. The institute advises producing homegrown feed supplements to lower production costs. KALRO's pig breeds consume less feed, reducing production costs when fed appropriately.