Govt Makes Livestock Exports Fully Traceable With ANITRAC Digital Platform

The Ministry of Agriculture has revealed that all livestock exports will be required to be fully traceable using a revolutionary new technology in a bid to strengthen the country’s export sector.

Speaking on Monday, March 30, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced that all livestock would be fitted with a technology known as ANITRAC, in line with international standards for animal product traceability.

ANITRAC is a digital platform implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture to track livestock from birth to slaughter. The system was officially launched for its pilot phase on May 22, 2025.

“Moving forward, exporting animals to international markets must have traceability. That is why we have ANITRAC,” Kagwe said.

The technology leverages digital microchip tags to store and transmit animal data. This strategy was aimed at enhancing animal disease control, preventing livestock theft, ensuring food safety, and securing international market access.

CS Kagwe said the directive during the inauguration of the new Board at the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB). The event also saw the induction of more than 1,300 veterinary interns.

Kagwe assured that the government will give the necessary support to ensure that veterinarians are at the centre of the digital transformation in the agriculture sector.

“The shift to digital is not just a technological upgrade but a complete redefinition of veterinary practice, requiring new competencies in data, remote services, and real-time decision-making,” Kagwe stated.

Kenya’s livestock export sector is primarily focused on the Middle East, with substantial shipments of live animals and meat products, particularly sheep, goats, and camels, being shipped there every day.

As of 2024, the country’s meat export industry was valued at approximately Ksh13 billion, with live animal exports generating Ksh2.2 billion.

Earlier this month, Kagwe revealed that the country was losing Ksh300 million daily on exports due to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

In a press briefing on Thursday, March 12, CS claimed that  Kenya’s livestock export sector is primarily focused on the Middle East, with substantial shipments of live animals and meat products, particularly sheep, goats, and camels. 

Kagwe said that the government has started the process of looking for new markets to ensure that the affected markets are replaced as soon as possible.