This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
Kenyan poultry farmers and traders are sounding the alarm over the increasing importation of chicken products from the United States and Brazil.
According to lobby groups representing the industry, the recent US Trade Mission in Nairobi is likely to lead to a surge in chicken imports from the US, which could have devastating effects on local businesses.
As the groups pointed out, Kenya enjoys a duty and quota-free window in exporting goods to the US under the Africa Growth Opportunity Act, but this should not be a reciprocal measure that would harm small-scale poultry farming.
The Animal Feed Manufacturers, Kenya Poultry Farmers Association, and Kenya Poultry Breeders have written to the government seeking intervention to protect their interests.
Meanwhile, a team from the Veterinary Department is currently in the US conducting a risk analysis of the poultry market, following a request from an importer who wants to bring in poultry products.
Principal Secretary Harry Kimtai revealed that poultry products from the US have been entering the Kenyan market through Zanzibar, with the products allegedly originating from the island nation.
On a related note, Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri has announced that his ministry will release a report on food safety in two weeks, following the completion of a team's work in the US.
Kiunjuri also urged lawmakers to amend the laws to allow the Agriculture ministry to establish its own agency – the National Food Safety Authority – to monitor the quality of food in the market.
