Camel meat consumption up 30pc - KNBS

Livestock traders at an animal market in Mandera town. [File, Standard]

Kenyans' palates are becoming more diverse as latest data from the 2025 Economic Survey Report shows camel meat is becoming a favourite dish. The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) report shows an increase of 29.9 per cent in the number of camels slaughtered in 2024.

This figure is twice the increase when compared to cattle and calves. The number of slaughtered cattle and calves increased by 17.9 per cent during the period. Sheep and goats increased by 8.01 per cent, pigs by 7.9 per cent, chicken by 3.5 per cent and rabbits by 0.8 per cent.

The number of cattle and calves slaughtered in 2024 stood at 2.2 million, sheep and goats (10.7 million), pigs (664,900), chicken (69.2 million) camels (239,000) and rabbits (546,100).

While from the figures, chicken is still the most sought delicacy among livestock, the growth in camel meat consumption has been linked to its medicinal value.

"We have also noted that slaughtered camels went up. Camel meat is now more consumed both in Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because of its medicinal value.

"That has contributed to the slaughter," explained KNBS Director General Macdonald Obudho. The 239,000 head of camels slaughtered in 2024 is an increase from the 184,000 in 2023. The 239,000 head of camels slaughtered in 2024 is the highest in the last four years.

"In 2024, camels slaughtered recorded the highest increase at 29.9 per cent while cattle and calves increased by 17.9 per cent. Meanwhile, there were no donkeys slaughtered during the review period as it was declared illegal," says the 2025 Economic Survey report.

The National Library of Medicine states that camel meat is believed by the Somali and Indian communities to offer relief for several health disorders such as hypertension, pneumonia and hyperacidity. Additionally, camel milk is documented to possess properties that fight various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, autism, hypertension, and skin diseases.

Kenya is estimated to have 3.2 million head of camels according to 2019 figures by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI).

Further, the 2025 Economic Survey Report shows meat and meat products sector grew by 4.9 per cent in the period with sausages and similar meat products of meat, offal or blood expanding by 9.5 per cent to 21,200 tonnes.

"Similarly, meat of cattle, fresh or chilled grew by 9.3 per cent, while meat of pigs, fresh or chilled contracted by 13.9 per cent in 2024," the report says. The report records that the dairy products sub-sector, where camel farming also falls, grew by 11.5 per cent in 2024, compared to a 16.4 per cent growth recorded in the previous year.