Lamu Port's Livestock Export Initiative Faces Setbacks and Criticism

Strategic Insights -

As Kenya launched its highly anticipated livestock export initiative to Oman via the new Sh310 billion Lamu Port in October 2022, pastoralists were promised direct access to international markets and significant investment. However, nearly three years later, many herders claim the promise remains unfulfilled, and the dream is slipping away. The initiative was expected to revolutionize the livestock industry, providing herders with a life-changing opportunity to export their animals directly to Oman.

The situation has left many pastoralists disappointed and frustrated, including Mr. Noor Hassan, a 50-year-old herder from Koreni in Lamu West, who invested heavily in livestock farming after hearing about the initiative. Despite selling some of his animals during the inaugural shipment, Mr. Hassan has not been able to sell any since then. "I am disappointed. I only sold five bulls, 15 goats, and 10 sheep in October 2022. Since then, there have been no updates about when livestock will be needed at Lamu Port," he said.

The chairperson of the Lamu Pastoralist Community, Muhumed Kalmei, voiced similar frustrations, accusing the port management of sidelining local herders. Most of the exported livestock comes from other regions, while local herders are overlooked. "We are more than 10,000 pastoralists in Lamu. Who says we cannot supply enough livestock for the port?" he asked.

Despite the challenges, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) General Manager for Lamu Port Vincent Sidai denied claims that local farmers are being sidelined, attributing the slow progress to an inadequate supply of livestock. However, since 2022, only 150,000 head of livestock have been shipped to Oman, a figure considered too low to sustain regular shipping operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Lamu Port's livestock export initiative has been slow to deliver on its promises, with many pastoralists selling few or no animals since the inaugural shipment in October 2022.
  • Local herders in Lamu are being overlooked, with most exported livestock coming from other regions such as Garissa, Tana River, Wajir, Mandera, Turkana, and Isiolo.
  • The KPA has attributed the slow progress to an inadequate supply of livestock, with only 150,000 head of livestock shipped to Oman since 2022, a figure considered too low to sustain regular shipping operations.
  • A dedicated livestock terminal is being constructed at Lamu Port to better accommodate large volumes, and a private company has set up offices and yards to streamline trade between Lamu and Oman.
  • Despite the challenges in the livestock trade, Lamu Port has recorded progress in other areas, with over 100 vessels docking since its operations began in 2021.

Statistics:

  • Only 150,000 head of livestock have been shipped to Oman since 2022, a figure considered too low to sustain regular shipping operations.
  • One livestock-carrier vessel typically needs a minimum of 5,000 animals to operate efficiently.
  • Since 2021, Lamu Port has received over 100 vessels, with a notable increase in 2023 to 36 vessels and a decrease in 2024 to 20 vessels.
  • As of June 2025, Lamu Port had already received 34 container vessels, with more expected to arrive.

Sources:

  • [Mr. Noor Hassan, a 50-year-old herder from Koreni in Lamu West] (no date or publication)
  • [Chairperson of the Lamu Pastoralist Community, Muhumed Kalmei] (no date or publication)
  • [KPA General Manager for Lamu Port Vincent Sidai] (no date or publication)
  • Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) (no date or publication)