Kenya has opened its doors to British livestock breeding exports, creating new opportunities for collaboration in improving the country’s animal production systems.
The agreement allows the United Kingdom to supply high-quality sheep and goat genetics to Kenya’s livestock sector, which is estimated to comprise 46 million animals. The deal aims to support Kenya’s efforts to enhance food production and strengthen the resilience of its farming communities.
Valued at about £700,000 (around Sh119 million) per year, the arrangement will help meet the rising demand for superior breeding stock in Kenya.
With the country’s sheep and goat populations expected to grow in the coming years, access to advanced genetic material will enable local farmers to improve the quality, health, and productivity of their herds.
The agreement also highlights Kenya’s increasing appeal as a market for global suppliers of premium livestock genetics. In London, UK Food Security Minister Dame Angela Eagle said the deal reflects the global reputation of British breeding and the role of trade in building stronger food systems.
“UK livestock genetics have earned a global reputation for excellence, with countries around the world seeking out our breeding stock to strengthen their agricultural sectors and improve food security,” she said.
“This new opportunity with Kenya demonstrates the global demand for the high quality that defines UK agriculture. This is exactly the kind of international collaboration that strengthens both our agricultural sector and our trading relationships worldwide,” Eagle added.
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) noted that the agreement is a result of efforts by its agri-attaché network, which works to open and sustain overseas markets for British breeders.
UK livestock genetics are already supplied to over 100 countries and are widely used in breeding programs for sheep, cattle, pigs, and poultry, supporting approximately 70 percent of global poultry lines.
Officials said that Kenya’s inclusion follows a series of recent market expansions for UK exporters, including approvals in Argentina. The move is expected to enhance agricultural trade between Kenya and the UK and strengthen Kenya’s livestock industry through access to top-tier breeding material.
