On World Camel Day, celebrated in Nairobi, camel keepers called for more attention to be given to the sector, citing its contribution to the economy.
According to Khalif Abey, national coordinator of the Kenya Camel Association, camel farming has not received the attention it deserves, despite its significant contribution to the economy through milk, meat, hides, and skins.
Abey noted that camel rearing is discussed in only one paragraph in the National Livestock Policy document, despite its potential.
MP Bashir Abdullahi is spearheading a Livestock Marketing and Production Bill that aims to tackle issues related to livestock products, including camel rearing.
Abdullahi said the Bill has passed initial stages and is now with the Agriculture Committee, which will bring it to the National Assembly for debate.
He emphasized the need to harness the camel value chain and ensure the availability of camel products in restaurants and shops across the country.
According to a 2018 report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, only 15% of camel milk comes to the market, indicating that the potential has not been fully harnessed.
Abey added that a litre of pasteurised camel milk sells at Sh160 in supermarkets, compared to Sh110 for a litre of cow milk.
MP Yusuf Hassan also called on sector players to improve distribution and adopt standardisation to have a healthy and clean product.
