(Nairobi) – Kenya is positioning itself to expand its meat exports to Europe, utilizing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) that came into effect on July 1. This initiative, spearheaded by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), is aimed at tapping into the 448 million-person EU market, building on Kenya’s success in horticultural exports such as flowers, avocados, and tea.
Through a collaboration between the government and the private sector, Kenya is working to increase its share of the EU’s $50 billion annual meat and meat offal imports. According to Trade Principal Secretary Alfred K’Ombudo, while Kenya’s meat exports to the EU were valued at only $135.23 million (Sh17.5 billion) last year, the market holds significant potential for growth.
“The EU imports $50 billion of meat and meat offals annually, plus another $11 billion in live animals,” K’Ombudo said. “Yet, Kenya currently does not export any meaningful quantities of these products to the EU.”
In light of this, the State Department for Trade and KAM have been actively engaging with stakeholders in the livestock sector to explore opportunities under the EPA. Recently, they hosted a session in Isiolo to inform local players about the agreement and the prospects it opens up for export into the EU market. The event was part of an ongoing sensitization effort in partnership with the EU, aimed at equipping Kenyan businesses with the knowledge to navigate trade opportunities, especially in sectors like agriculture and industrialization.
The EPA, which grants duty-free and quota-free access to the EU market for Kenyan agricultural products like meat, milk, hides, and skins, is a critical component of Kenya’s trade strategy. Northern Kenya, home to a thriving livestock economy, stands to benefit significantly from this agreement.
KAM has emphasized the importance of quality production to meet international standards as Kenya seeks to expand its presence in the EU market. “Northern Kenya remains a critical part of the country due to its economic activities, including a thriving livestock economy,” KAM stated. “Livestock products are some of the items Kenyans can export into the quota-free, duty-free EU market under the agreement.”
Kieni Member of Parliament Wainaina Njoroge, a member of the National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, called for a focus on quality. “As we seek to venture into markets like the EU, it’s crucial to produce goods that meet world-class standards,” he stated.
The EU-EPA is designed to enhance bilateral trade, improve investment flows, and contribute to sustainable economic growth between the two regions. The agreement also includes provisions aimed at supporting economic growth and job creation in Kenya, with specific safeguards for the agricultural sector, including measures to protect food security and emerging industries.
According to the Economic Survey 2024, Kenya’s meat and fish processing industries saw growth rates of 10.1% and 2.8%, respectively, in 2023. The increase in meat production, combined with access to the EU market, could provide a significant boost to Kenya’s meat export sector.
In 2023, Kenya’s total exports to the EU grew by 12.7%, reaching Sh150.1 billion, up from Sh133.2 billion in 2022. The rise was largely driven by increased exports of flowers, avocados, and beans, as well as tea and cut flowers to the United Kingdom.
The EU-Kenya EPA is seen as one of the most ambitious trade deals between Africa and the EU, with a focus on sustainability. Kenya is expected to benefit from provisions that promote fair labor practices, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and the fight against climate change. These elements make the agreement a model for future sustainable trade deals with African nations.
As East Africa’s largest economy, Kenya’s trade relationship with the EU holds substantial growth potential. By diversifying its markets, especially for meat exports, Kenya aims to reduce its dependency on the Gulf countries, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, while positioning itself as a key player in global trade.
Table: EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement Highlights
| Agreement Provisions | Impact on Kenya |
|---|---|
| Duty-free, quota-free market access | Opens EU market to Kenyan meat, milk, hides, and skins |
| Focus on quality standards | Encourages high-quality production to meet EU market requirements |
| Special safeguards for agriculture | Protects Kenya’s agricultural sector while opening new markets |
| Provisions for sustainable trade | Ensures labor rights, gender equality, and environmental protection |
| Support for emerging industries | Facilitates Kenya’s industrialization and job creation |