Goats auction revs up Kimalel’s sleepy livestock economy

The Kimalel Goat Market Auction which is a unique blend of tradition, commerce, and cultural vibrancy, set a new record in its 10th edition last week, indicating its growing prominence as an economic enabler in the region.

The event, which signals that Christmass is around the corner, saw goat prices soar to unprecedented heights, with each goat fetching an average of Sh16,000, in a move that more than doubled the previous year’s figures. This is good news to the farmers, but bad news to the consumers who had to cough more for what is usually a Christmas delicacy.

Presided over by President William Ruto and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, the auction generated over Sh64.5 million from the sale of 4,300 goats, attracting over 2,500 participating farmers from Baringo County.

The auction, a two-day extravaganza held annually between December 15th and 20th, is much more than a marketplace; it is a celebration of culture and community heritage.

On the first day, visitors were treated to a thrilling traditional boat race on Lake Baringo, followed by cultural exhibitions and a lively youth evening bash at the Kimalel grounds. The second day showcased more cultural festivities, tantalizing servings of mbuzi choma (roasted goat meat), and the much-anticipated auction of premium meat goats sourced from the local farmers.

The Kimalel Goat Market was initiated in the 1980s by the late retired President Daniel arap Moi as a way of uplifting local farmers and enhancing the livestock sub-sector’s contribution to food security and Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Interruption of sales

During Moi’s tenure, the market was a significant economic driver, generating over Sh50 million cumulatively before it was paused in 2002. Revived by the Baringo County Government in 2013, the auction experienced further interruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 but has since bounced back with vigour.

This year’s auction reflected not just its historical importance but also the changing dynamics of livestock trade in Kenya. While the event brought much-needed revenue to farmers, the sharp rise in prices—Sh 16,000 per goat compared to last year’s Sh15,000—raised questions about the auction’s accessibility for average buyers.

Local markets, by comparison, offer goats for between Sh4,000 and Sh10,000 depending on breed, size, and weight. Online platforms like Mkulima Young and Nuria Kenya list Boer goats and Galla goats at prices ranging from Sh5,000 to Sh10,000, while red Kalahari goats are available for as little as Sh 3,000.

Peter Cheruiyot, a farmer from Eldama Ravine who sold 12 goats at the auction, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “This platform allows us to showcase the quality of our livestock and earn better prices than in the regular markets,” he said. However, he acknowledged the potential downsides. “When prices rise this high, it can distort the local market and make goats unaffordable for everyday buyers.”

While high prices benefit farmers in the short term, they could lead to market inflation, creating economic challenges for both sellers and buyers. Small-scale buyers, who rely on affordable prices for their livelihoods, might find themselves excluded, leading to a breakdown in the supply-and-demand chain. If goat prices in regular markets begin to reflect auction rates, the risk of market distortion becomes real, potentially impacting economic sustainability.

The auction’s success also highlights the role of corporates in broader efforts to transform Kenya’s multi-billion livestock sector. Programmes like KCB’s Mifugo ni Mali have been instrumental in equipping farmers with tools and knowledge to enhance productivity.

Speaking at the auction, KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director Annastacia Kimtai reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the livestock industry. “We train farmers on livestock productivity, value addition, financial literacy, and market access initiatives. This auction is a testament to what can be achieved when communities and institutions work together,” she said.

The ripple effects of Kimalel’s success have inspired similar events across the Rift Valley region. The Nakuru County Easter Banita Goat Auction, for instance, raised Sh6 million in its inaugural edition in 2022. Counties like Kajiado and Narok have also followed suit, creating platforms where farmers can sell their livestock at competitive prices. These initiatives, along with the government’s support for the livestock sub-sector, are paving the way for a more commercialized and vibrant livestock industry.

While government officials, corporate buyers, and dignitaries often dominate purchases at the Kimalel auction, the average buyer is left grappling with the high costs. This raises questions about inclusivity and whether the auction serves all stakeholders equally. Additionally, the focus on premium meat goats may overshadow the broader spectrum of livestock that sustains many smallholder farmers.

The goat market auction is an example of how cultural heritage can coexist with economic progress. However, to ensure its long-term sustainability, stakeholders must address issues like market accessibility, price inflation, and inclusivity.

For now, it is offering a lifeline to farmers like Peter Cheruiyot, while showcasing the potential of Kenya’s livestock industry. However, the high costs signal that most Kenyans will have to dig deeper into their pockets to enjoy delicacies as the soaring cost of livestock has sent meat prices skyrocketing. Livestock markets in regions like Kajiado County are also experiencing unprecedented price hikes, driven by high demand and a significant shortage in supply. The livestock shortage follows a devastating drought that gripped Kenya between 2020 and 2022, which decimated animal populations across the country.

Many farmers are now hesitant to sell their remaining cattle, sheep, and goats as they focus on restocking their herds to recover from the losses suffered during the prolonged dry spells. Joel Kiseentu, a farmer from Isinya, explained the situation: “We are struggling to restock our herds, and that is why nobody is willing to sell the few animals they have.”

This reluctance to sell has created a supply crunch, forcing livestock prices to soar. A 200-kilo cow, for example, is currently selling for Sh100,000, translating to a wholesale price of Sh500 per kilogramme of beef—up from Sh380 per kilogramme just a few months ago.