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Why meat in Kajiado is expensive despite drought effects

Why meat in Kajiado is expensive despite drought effects
Some of the cattle from Uganda that dominated Kitengela slaughterhouse for sale during this festive season. PHOTO/Christine Musa

It is Christmas today, Sunday, December 25, 2022. Kajiado is a bee hive of meat business. However, the effects of drought are palpable this year as livestock for slaughter are fewer.

Most Kajiado farmers have lost their cattle to the ravaging drought which has taken a toll on them for the last year deepening the woes of farmers striving to recover from an economy hard hit by Covid-19 effects.

A visit to the slaughterhouse, however, depicts a hopeful people.

While the struggle and mixed emotions of losing a source of livelihood is still a painful reality to farmers, businessmen have instead kept the meat might by sourcing cattle far and away to ensure customers do not miss out on the precious delicacy.

Cattle imported from neighbouring Uganda dominated Kitengela slaughterhouse. Other large suppliers are from Migori and Taita Taveta.

Meat price

Unlike before when a kilogram of beef sold at as low as Ksh380, meat is currently selling at as high as Ksh550 per kg.

“The change in prices is because we are getting healthy animals at higher prices. Interestingly customers are willing to buy quality meat at that price and we have sold in large amounts,” narrated Joel Murtut a meat dealer.

A high number of customers have also been reported with the slaughterhouse slaughtering sixfold the usual number.

At least over 600 sheep and goats were slaughtered on Saturday while more than 300 cattle were slaughtered today ( Sunday, December 25). Tens of sheep and goats were also bought at Ksh10, 000 per 17kgs.

“We have had the highest number of customers compared to the last two years. Some of the customers had come thinking that beef and mutton are cheap because of drought which means livestock are cheaper.

“It is the opposite. We are not slaughtering the thin locally available animals, we are much focused on quality of meat and we ought to purchase healthier animals,” said John Mwaura, a meat dealer.

The meat dealers further say those with healthy animals have increased prices by up to 10 per cent.

Major slaughterhouses in Kitengela, Kiserian, and Ilbisil extended their slaughtering time by up to eight hours in an effort to meet the high demand.

The meat business is a lucrative business in Kajiado towns especially Kitengela, Kiserian, Ong’ata Rongai, Ilbisil, and Namanga.

A spot check into the towns show that while most businesses remained closed, butcheries and meat eatery joints witnessed congestions as customers thronged in large numbers.

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