USAID to showcase northern Kenya’s Livestock Sector gains at Meat Expo 2024

During the event, USAID through the Kenya Livestock Market System (USAID KLMS) Activity will facilitate discussions on the need for co-investments between the government and private sector in the livestock value chain, the vital role of cooperatives in the industry, concerted efforts towards drought and flood mitigation, and inclusive livestock market systems.

Additionally, USAID will support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in showcasing advancements in the meat value chain and reflecting on the achievements and lessons learned over the past seven years in Northern Kenya.

“Over the past seven years, USAID through LMS Activity has boosted Northern Kenya’s resilience by enhancing market access for pastoralists and traders through targeted interventions and strategic partnerships,” said Joe Sanders, Chief of Party of USAID LMS.

Andrew McCown, the US Government Feed the Future Country Coordinator at USAID Kenya/East Africa, added, “As we participate in the Meat Expo, we are committed to partner with the Government of Kenya to create jobs, increase access to services, and incomes for livestock producers in Kenya aimed at wealth creation through value addition such as in the meat sector.

”With the meat market in Kenya projected to grow by 10 percent by 2028, the country’s arid and semi-arid counties, which make the biggest contribution to the livestock sector, are poised for key investments aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of products from the region, building resilience against challenges, such as perennial droughts, and improving lives of communities in the region.

Since 2017, USAID, over 111,125 households in Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana, and Wajir counties have benefited from a strengthened market system supported by USAID through the
KLMS activity. Additionally, 5,497 mostly women-owned businesses had a 43 percent increase in incomes due to start-up grants to SMEs provided by USAID.. The businesses have created 1,200 direct and indirect jobs, improving food and market access for over 100,000 families.

As part of its effort to diversify livelihoods, and create jobs and incomes for livestock producers, USAID has also committed $52.5 Million (Ksh. 6.9 Billion), in support of private sector businesses in Kenya’s ASALs through the USAID KUZA INK fund. In addition, USAID has mobilized over KES 37 billion in co-investments with nine county governments, through the Resilience Learning Activity.