The Ministry of Agriculture has announced that all livestock exports will be required to be fully traceable using a new technology, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s export sector.
On Monday, March 30, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revealed that all livestock will be fitted with a system known as ANITRAC, in line with international standards for animal product traceability.
ANITRAC is a digital platform implemented by the ministry to track livestock from birth to slaughter.
Govt Launches ANITRAC Platform to Make Livestock Exports Fully Traceable. Photo: Courtesy.
The system was officially launched for its pilot phase on May 22, 2025.
The ANITRAC is a digital system using microchip tags that will track livestock, aimed at improving disease control, preventing theft, ensuring food safety, and securing international markets.
The announcement was made by CS Mutahi Kagwe during the inauguration of the new Kenya Veterinary Board, which also inducted over 1,300 veterinary interns.
Kagwe highlighted government support for veterinarians at the centre of the sector’s digital transformation.
Kenya’s livestock exports, mainly sheep, goats, and camels, target the Middle East.
In 2024, the country’s meat export industry was valued at about Ksh13 billion, with live animal exports generating Ksh2.2 billion.
Earlier this month, Kagwe disclosed that Kenya is losing an estimated Ksh300 million daily in export revenue due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Speaking during a press briefing on March 12, Kagwe noted that the country’s livestock export sector heavily depends on Middle Eastern markets, particularly for sheep, goats, and camels.
He added that the government has initiated efforts to identify and secure alternative markets to cushion the sector and replace the disrupted trade routes.
