The Current State of Pig Farming in Kenya: Is it a profitable business?

Pig farming in Kenya is an integral part of producing high-standard pork and best-quality meat products. It’s an agribusiness that presents a fascinating picture of contrasting realities. On one part, pig farming is brimming with potential like poultry.

Pig production is driven by the shorter production cycle compared to other animals and the rising demand for pork. This way, it offers a lucrative opportunity for income generation.

Unlike cows that will give a calf at a time, pigs can deliver 10 piglets at once, making them a highly productive and profitable animal.

People are embracing agribusiness and statistics indicate there is a national population of over 1.2 million, with Western Kenya leading. In 2022, pig meat production was at about 20,460 metric tonnes and has been growing at an average of 5.69%. The consumption of pork is expected to grow by 1% each year to 2026.

Sadly, there are a couple of challenges beneath the promising facade. Small-scale farming practices are characterized by strong dependency on unreliable feed sources, limited access to veterinary services, and inadequate houses. The results are inconsistencies in meat quality, vulnerability to diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF), and limited productivity.

A Lucrative Opportunity On Pig Farming

Despite the challenges, pig farming still presents a compelling opportunity for farmers to earn a fortune. Oxfarm states there is a growing demand for pork, something that stems from the rising number of health consciousness among consumers.

John Njau, a farmer from Kiambu County says you can never go broke with the venture. Near the end of 2021, the 32-year-old by then had 92 pigs with some already pregnant.

Catherine Njoki is another successful farmer from Busia who ventured into pig farming after struggling to make an income during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Catherine Njoki, an agribusiness trader in Busia County, who majors in pig rearing as a source of income. She started with 5 pigs that she bought at Sh 10,000 each. By July 2022, she had over 100 pigs and a ready market at Farmers Choice.

These success stories are some of the many successful stories in the venture. There are companies like NAKATA that are already into commercial pig farming and earning a fortune from it.

1. 2. Why Pig Farming?

Pork and other pig products account for about 38% of the total meat consumption globally. In Kenya, there is a unique opportunity for farmers to tap into the business and reap the profits. So, why pig farming?

• High fertility and short generation interval. Female pigs can give birth twice a year, delivering up to 12 piglets, meaning more money for you.

• High feed conversion efficiency, transforming feed into live weight. The pigs can thrive on feeds like kitchen leftovers, forages, and grains.

• Low capital intensity. Taking an example of Catherine’s story, imagine getting 100 pigs from an investment of 5 pigs or Sh 50,000.

• Quick returns. Pigs reach a marketable weight in 6 – 8 months which translates into faster returns.

• Strong market demand. Pork and pork products like sausages, pork cuts, bacon, and smokies have a high demand locally and in export markets.

You can keep pig breeds like Landrace and Large White, Hybrid Gilt/F1, Duroc & Maxgro.

Buyers in the Pig Market

The pig farming market is broad and dynamic as the demand for pork products continues to rise. It’s dominated by small-scale buyers, brokers, and market players like Farmers Choice.

Some of the prominent buyers in the industry are:

• Farmers choice. They specialize in fresh pork and pork products like ham, bacon, and sausages. For you to sell to Farmers Choice, you need to know and adhere to the following:

• Your pigs should be healthy.

• Payments are based on dead weights.

• All male pigs must be castrated.

• Pigs should weigh 80 to 100 kg and should be 7 to 8 months old.

• Mwangaza Slaughter House in Kasarani

• Oscar’s Food Ltd

• Ndumbu-ini Farm Pig Slaughter House

• Live pig markets. Here you sell directly to middlemen or individual buyers.

• Pig traders and brokers. However, the prices may be slightly lower compared to what you will get from Farmers Market. Market Places like Jiji, Mkulima Young, Facebook Market Place, and Groups that connect farmers with potential buyers.

• Pig auctions are organized by cooperatives and agricultural associations.