Middle East Conflict Disrupts Kenyan Meat Export Volumes
Kenyan meat exports to the Middle East have fallen below 5% of Ramadan targets. Regional conflict has raised freight costs and disrupted local supply chains.
The conflict in the Middle East has triggered a severe downturn in meat exports from Kenya, with shipments plummeting to less than 5% of expected levels during the peak Ramadan season. Industry leaders attribute this sharp decline to a dramatic rise in air freight costs and significant logistical disruptions across the region. Historically, the Middle East represents the primary market for Kenyan meat, with the United Arab Emirates accounting for the majority of shipments. However, the current instability has restricted exports to major hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while also halting trade with Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Nicholas Ngahu, chief executive of the Kenya Meat and Livestock Exporters Industry Council, noted the severity of the situation.
"We are doing below 15% of our normal exports, and now that its Ramadan, we are doing less than 5% of what we are supposed to be doing," Ngahu said.
