The arrival of more than 47,000 metric tons of American grain at the port of Mombasa signals a significant boost to agricultural cooperation between United States and Kenya, alongside the launch of a new initiative aimed at strengthening Kenya’s livestock sector.
The shipment—comprising hard red winter wheat—will be sold commercially, with proceeds reinvested into the Food for Progress Livestock Innovation and Feed Transformation (LIFT) project.
The program is designed to improve access to high-quality livestock feed ingredients and enhance productivity across Kenya’s livestock value chain.
The wheat was transported aboard the MV Liberty Grace, a U.S.-flagged vessel, underscoring growing trade ties between the two countries.
Local millers are expected to purchase the grain for processing and consumption within Kenya.
Speaking during a visit to Bulkstream Limited as the cargo was being offloaded, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns described the initiative as mutually beneficial.
“This is a big win for both American and Kenyan farmers. We are excited to see expanded trade, as well as LIFT’s focus on supporting Kenyan livestock producers by developing systems to produce higher quality animal feeds at a lower cost,” she said.
The LIFT initiative is organized by the United States Department of Agriculture and implemented by Counterpart International.
It reflects a broader shift by the United States toward market-based support mechanisms, emphasizing sustainable economic empowerment and long-term agricultural development in partner countries.
By channeling proceeds from grain sales into livestock innovation, the program aims to strengthen feed systems, reduce costs for farmers, and ultimately improve food security and incomes in Kenya.
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