This archive report was first published on 6 January 2022.
Published on January 6, 2022, Kenya has resumed exporting livestock to the Gulf States after a 16-year ban.
The first shipment of 11,449 mixed-breed goats and sheep worth Sh226 million left Mombasa for the Port of Salalah in Oman on Monday.
Kenya's envoy to Oman, Sheikh Mahmud Dor, said the ship will also find its way to other Gulf States that have lifted the ban.
"Oman has said it has the potential to import more than 500,000 heads annually. This is a guaranteed market for Kenyan livestock," Mr Dor said during a ceremony at the port.
The Gulf States also form a big part of Kenya's horticulture and floriculture export market.
Al Bashayer Meat Company, which is coordinating the export, has partnered with Kenya's Department of Veterinary Service to ensure healthy and quality animals are exported.
The company plans to export camels and intends to undertake two shipments every month to Oman from Mombasa.
"We are looking at volumes of between 15,000 and 25,000 animals, including cattle and camels, on a monthly basis," said Jack Onyango, a manager for international trade at Al Bashayer.
