Meat prices soar in Kajiado on livestock supply shortage

An acute shortage of livestock has hit Kajiado County, leading to a sharp spike in meat prices. Some “nyama choma” joints have also scaled down the quantity of meat roasted due to the increased prices that they say have led to reduced number of customers who can afford the delicacy.

Nyama choma is a lucrative business Kajiado satellite towns with majority of customers coming from Nairobi, Kiambu and Machakos counties. The shortage has been attributed to the ongoing rains that continue to pound the region and other parts of the country.

Optimistic farmers are staying put with eyes on reaping big in the near future due to availability of plenty of pasture. Majority say selling the animals whose health deteriorated due to the prolonged drought is a loss and it is prudent for one to wait to benefit from the current pasture.

Goat prices are the most affected with a mature goat weighing 20kgs selling at Sh25,000 up from the previous Sh13,000 and Sh15,000. A kilogramme of goat meat which was selling at Sh600 now retails at Sh800 wholesale price and Sh1,200 on retail. A calf that was selling at Sh20,000 a month ago now sells at between Sh27,000 and 30,000.

Ilbisil market

Cattle from the neighbouring Tanzania are now dominant in Ilbisil market which is the largest livestock market in the region. Kitengela market is now dominated by cattle supplied from Taita Taveta as well as Kiserian and Emali livestock markets.

Noah Leina, a cattle broker at the Kitengela livestock market said brokers have temporarily been pushed out of business. “Locals are not selling their animals. The few who are selling are selling at exorbitant prices. Since those who slaughter the animals consider the live and dead weight of the animal it is impossible to broker the animal,” he said.