Kenya Set To Export Livestock To Oman From Port Of Lamu

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct, 18 – In what is expected to be a first, no doubt expanding Kenya’s exports potential to the Middle East, 200 cattle and 15,400 sheep and goats will be exported to the country of Oman through the Port of Lamu.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the use of Lamu Port for Livestock Export will be for the first time and MV Bunyas Lome with a capacity of (about 20,000) livestock will undertake the task.

“The arrangement which started in January 2022, done through Omani Government Agency, the Al Bashayer Company, will see 200 cattle and 15,400 sheep and goats exported through the Port of Lamu. The vessel which will Tuesday, October 18, 2022, for Salahah Port, will be flagged by among others by the Chief Executive Officer of Al Bashayer,” read a section of a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Amid the country’s biting drought the government said that the trade partnership offers an opportunity to Kenyans to sell their livestock in what seems to be a promising market.

“This will prevent the loss of thousands of animals to the current drought and empower livestock farmers,”

The livestock export is expected to give a renewed impetus to the utilization of Lamu Port as a central cog in international trade by facilitating quick and efficient use of sea transport.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prioritized economic diplomacy and thanks other relevant agencies including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, the Kenya Ports Authority which designated a livestock Bay at Lamu Port, for cooperation that has ensured the success of this venture. The Kenya Embassy in Oman has been instrumental in facilitating the export,”

The direct/indirect impact of the trade on Kenya’s Livestock Sector will further improve as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region which enjoys close proximity to Kenya, opens up for Kenya’s products/produce.