The Kenya Meat Livestock Exporters Industry Council estimates losses of around KSh 1 billion following nearly a week of stalled operations.
Exporters reported that a flight departing JKIA on Wednesday was the first to transport cargo since Saturday, but at significantly higher costs. Flights to the Middle East were grounded for several days, leaving slaughterhouses and cold storage facilities with unsent consignments.
Nicholus Ngahu, CEO of the industry council, said:
“Any meat we slaughtered on Friday and Saturday has not left the country, and we have been unable to process new meat from Monday to date.”
Typically, meat exports see a surge during Ramadhan, amplifying the impact of the disruption.
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The conflict has broader implications for other Kenyan export sectors. Iran’s escalating tensions with regional rivals have included threats to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil and trade passage. Even partial disruptions could drive up insurance premiums and freight costs, affecting transport expenses for exporters.
Tea exporters are also vulnerable. Iran has been a significant buyer of Kenyan tea, though imports dropped sharply in 2024 after Tehran suspended purchases over alleged misrepresentation of imported leaves and foreign currency issues.
