From Feathered Foes to Friendly Fowl: Kenya and Tanzania Hatch a Poultry Trade Deal
Good news for chicken lovers in East Africa! Kenya Tanzania poultry trade: A longstanding dispute between Kenya and Tanzania regarding poultry exports has finally been clucked out.
This is a big win for both countries, with Kenya regaining access to a valuable market and Tanzania prioritizing bird safety.
For those unfamiliar with the situation, Kenya has been a major exporter of poultry and poultry products to Tanzania, from chicks to hatching eggs and even processed chicken.
However, in 2021, Tanzania threw a wrench into the coop by banning Kenyan poultry imports due to the global outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu. This move sent shivers down the spines of Kenyan poultry producers who suddenly lost access to a crucial market.
![East Africa poultry industry](https://modenwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/v2-99jpx-u18gh.jpg)
But wait! There’s a twist to this cluckin’ tale. At a recent meeting, Tanzania clarified that they hadn’t actually banned Kenyan poultry products. Instead, they had implemented stricter sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures to safeguard their flocks from the avian influenza threat, following guidelines set by the World Organization for Animal Health.
This clears the air and paves the way for a more productive future. Both Kenya and Tanzania have committed to working together on several fronts:
- Strengthening surveillance: Early detection of bird flu outbreaks is key. By working together, both countries can identify and contain any potential threats quickly.
- Building capacity: Supporting small-scale poultry farmers with improved biosecurity measures is essential to prevent the spread of disease and create more export opportunities.
- Enhanced communication: Veterinary authorities from both sides will collaborate more closely to ensure swift resolution of any future SPS concerns.
This newfound cooperation highlights the importance of open communication and collaboration in fostering regional trade. As Rabson Wanjala, the Kenyan co-chair of the meeting, emphasized, ongoing consultations are crucial for streamlining trade processes and creating a win-win situation for both countries.
“We are committed to tackling these challenges and creating an environment where trade between Kenya and Tanzania can flourish,” echoed Benezeth Lutege Malinda, the Tanzanian co-chair.
Kenya Tanzania poultry trade is a positive step forward for the East African poultry industry. With improved cooperation and disease prevention measures, the future looks bright for Kenyan poultry producers and Tanzanian chicken consumers alike.