Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned that the misuse of veterinary medicines is fuelling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing threat that could lock Kenya out of lucrative international meat markets.

Speaking during the opening of the Kenya Meat Conference 2026 in Nyeri on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, Kagwe said antimicrobial resistance has evolved beyond a veterinary concern into a major public health, food security and economic challenge. He warned that failure to comply with global standards on antimicrobial residues in meat products could undermine Kenya’s efforts to secure and maintain export markets.

Kagwe stressed that responsible use of veterinary medicines has become a key requirement for countries seeking to export meat products.

“Responsible use of veterinary medicines is becoming a passport to international markets,” he said, adding that non-compliance with international food safety standards could reverse years of negotiations aimed at opening new export destinations.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, antimicrobial resistance is linked to an estimated 5.5 million deaths globally each year, with Kenya among the countries significantly affected.

The CS noted that to improve compliance, the government is strengthening the Kenya Veterinary Board and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to ensure veterinary medicines are prescribed and administered only under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Govt expands livestock reforms

The Cabinet Secretary said the government is implementing wide-ranging reforms to improve livestock health and enhance the competitiveness of Kenya’s meat industry.

These include the National Livestock Vaccination Programme, increased investment in the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute, which is expected to raise annual vaccine production from 45 million to more than 70 million doses, as well as the rollout of the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS) and the Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANITRAC).

Kagwe noted that modern consumers increasingly demand traceability, transparency and food safety, making such systems essential for international trade.

The CS also condemned the continued illegal slaughter of donkeys despite the 2020 ban on commercial donkey slaughter, describing the practice as a threat to food safety, public health and Kenya’s export ambitions. He said reports indicate that more than 700 donkeys are still being slaughtered illegally every month and directed his ministry to strengthen enforcement measures against those involved.

The CS further called for increased investment in modern meat processing, branding, and certification to add value to livestock products and improve farmers’ earnings. He said the government is partnering with county governments and private investors to modernise abattoirs and expand export-ready processing facilities.

Under the government’s targets, livestock’s contribution to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product is expected to increase from 12 per cent to 20 per cent, while annual meat production is projected to nearly double to about 990,000 metric tonnes by 2028, generating an estimated KSh450 billion each year.

Kagwe urged national and county governments, researchers, financial institutions and private sector players to work together to position Kenya as Africa’s leading exporter of safe, traceable and high-quality meat products.

The two-day Kenya Meat Conference 2026 has brought together stakeholders from across the livestock value chain to explore strategies for expanding Kenya’s meat industry and increasing access to international export markets.