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Kenya is intensifying efforts to modernise and expand its pig industry, with the government projecting a 125 per cent increase in pork demand by 2030. Speaking at the National Stakeholders’ Sensitisation Forum for the Pig Value Chain, the Principal Secretary for Livestock Development described pig farming as one of the country’s fastest-growing livestock sectors and an important contributor to agricultural development.
The country currently has an estimated pig population of 981,182. Annual pork demand stands at 38,500 metric tonnes, significantly exceeding the current production level of 23,000 metric tonnes. Although the industry is valued at about Sh20 billion, per capita pork consumption remains relatively low at 0.4 kilogrammes, indicating considerable room for market growth.
Beyond its economic value, the pig value chain plays a vital role in supporting household incomes, creating employment and strengthening food security. Smallholder farmers, who account for approximately 80 per cent of producers, remain at the centre of the sector. As urbanisation continues and consumer preferences evolve, further opportunities are expected to emerge across production, processing and value addition.
However, the industry continues to face several obstacles that limit its growth which include low productivity resulting from poor genetics and breeding systems, high feed costs, limited extension support and inadequate farmer knowledge. In addition, recurring disease threats such as African swine fever, weak biosecurity practices and the dominance of informal markets continue to undermine productivity and profitability.
To overcome these challenges, the government plans to invest in improved breeding stock, affordable feed solutions and stronger animal health management systems. These measures will be complemented by enhanced extension services, digital knowledge-sharing platforms and stronger producer organisations aimed at improving farmers’ skills and productivity.
At the same time, efforts will focus on strengthening market integration by improving linkages between producers and processors, promoting contract farming arrangements and expanding processing and cold-chain infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses. The government also intends to increase participation by women and young people through better access to finance, training and enterprise development opportunities.
Recognising that sustained growth depends on consumer confidence, authorities will strengthen food safety, inspection, certification and traceability systems to ensure compliance with both domestic and international standards.
The Principal Secretary stressed that achieving the sector’s ambitious growth targets will require close collaboration among government agencies, private sector stakeholders, research institutions and development partners.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling policy environment and supporting investments in infrastructure, innovation, finance and market access, describing the pig value chain as a strategic sector with the potential to enhance Kenya’s food security, nutrition and economic development.
April 14, 2026/Kenya/
https://www.kenyanews.go.ke/
