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The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), through its Dairy Training Institute (DTI) in Naivasha, has significantly intensified its pig breeding initiatives in response to the growing national demand for pork and pork products.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing 30% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing over 70% of the rural population. Within this vital sector, livestock plays a pivotal role, accounting for 12% of the national GDP and 42% of the agricultural GDP. In 2023 alone, the country generated approximately Sh.190.5 billion from livestock and livestock products.
While beef continues to dominate the meat market, the demand for pork has been steadily increasing. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries, Kenya produced 40,055 tonnes of pork in 2023 from 840,160 pigs, earning Sh.19.5 billion in revenue. Pork consumption is expected to rise to 17,100 tonnes by 2026.
In response to this upward trend, KALRO’s DTI has developed and is now promoting four improved pig breeds: Large White (Yorkshire), Landrace, Duroc, and Hampshire. These breeds are known for faster maturity, higher meat yield, and improved profitability for farmers.
“The demand for piglets is growing rapidly in the country as farmers eye high-quality piglet breeds that yield high returns in just a few months,” said Mr. McDonald Githinji, Head of the Pig Rearing Section at DTI Naivasha.
The new piglets mature in just 4 to 6 months at approximately 130 kilograms, compared to the 9-month growth period of older breeds. A fully grown pig now fetches between Sh.15,000 and 20,000, with farmers able to make up to Sh.7,000 in profit per pig after production costs.
Pig farming is gaining traction, especially in urban and peri-urban areas such as Nairobi, Nakuru, Kiambu, and parts of Central Kenya, where pork consumption is surging due to growing urban appetites for products like bacon and sausages.
“Pig farming is a profitable venture that the youths need to embrace as demand for pork and its products continues to rise,” added Githinji.
To meet rising demand, KALRO plans to expand its piglet production from 80 to 200 per month, targeting a supply of 2,000 piglets by the end of the year.
Despite the promising outlook, challenges persist, particularly high feed costs driven by scarcity of raw materials. Githinji notes that some feed manufacturers have resorted to importing ingredients such as cottonseed and sunflower cake. As a solution, DTI is advising farmers to create homegrown nutritional feed supplements.
Importantly, the improved KALRO pig breeds are feed-efficient, consuming less while achieving optimal weight, thereby reducing production costs and increasing profitability for farmers.
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