Kenya is set to begin exporting hundreds of thousands of live sheep to Algeria ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Adha following high-level engagements between the two governments aimed at strengthening livestock trade.
CS Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, held talks with Algerian Ambassador Farid Ouahid Dahmane to accelerate livestock exports and deepen agricultural cooperation.
The discussions follow a recent visit by a technical delegation from Algeria that assessed Kenya’s sheep production systems and supply capacity.
Algeria is implementing a government-backed livestock import program that could require up to one million sheep, particularly to meet Eid demand. Kenyan officials say the initiative presents a significant opportunity for local farmers and traders and could evolve into an annual multi-billion-shilling export market.
Beyond sheep exports, the talks also explored broader agricultural cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. Kenya expressed interest in importing fertilizer from Algeria to support local production, building on the 16,000MT of urea fertilizer donated by Algeria in 2024.
The discussions further covered collaboration in livestock health through animal vaccines produced by the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute – KEVEVAPI, as well as potential exports of Kenyan dairy products, tea, avocado, macadamia, and mango products.
Both governments say the engagement marks a shift toward implementing practical trade partnerships that could strengthen Kenya’s livestock export sector while creating stable markets for farmers.
By Anthony Solly
