Improved pastures revive Kenya’s livestock exports

Other parts in the country are not considered disease free zones. Each animal must weigh between 300- 400 kilogrammes.

“The terms of agreement with Mauritius importers are very specific and these animals must come from Taita Taveta area,” Dr. Gatumo said in an earlier interview.

In case the animals are to be sourced from other disease free zone areas, especially North Eastern province, they first have to be taken to the Taita Ranches where they are primed to required standards, Mursal said.  

The opening up of the Mauritius market is seen as a big relief to the North Eastern province, where the pastoralists suffers perennial drought that leads to huge losses of livestock. 

However, Mauritius imports only bulls which must not be castrated since testicles are a delicacy in the country.

Bulls also have a good fat layout, Dr Gatumo said.  

Disease-free zones

When exported alive, Dr Gatumo said there is more value to the industry than when dealing with beef.

“The trickle down effect to local residents is very high because it creates more opportunities”.

The government is planning to create more disease free zones.

The first 3 will be created in the Coast, Laikipia and the Southern Rift regions.

“Successful implementation and commencement of meat export will be possible in the medium term plan 2008-2012 with meat exports starting in 2011- 2012,” the livestock minister Mr Mohammed Kuti said last year.