NAIROBI, Kenya — Authorities have raised the alarm over a likely surge in the illegal meat trade as Kenyans prepare to usher in the festive season, warning that increased demand for meat during the holidays often fuels unlicensed slaughter and the sale of uninspected products.
The Directorate of Veterinary Services says past trends show that December festivities are frequently accompanied by a rise in illegal slaughter, transportation, and sale of meat outside approved regulatory systems, exposing consumers to serious public health risks.
“The festive season often sees an increase in illegal slaughter, transport and sale of uninspected meat by unscrupulous individuals, a trend observed in previous years,” said Dr Abraham Sangula, the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services.
In a letter dated December 9, 2025, Dr Sangula cautioned that meat sold outside licensed channels is often produced under unhygienic conditions and may contain harmful micro-organisms, drug residues or other contaminants that can cause disease outbreaks.
The advisory, circulated to county directors of veterinary services through the Council of Governors, underscores that such practices are illegal under the Meat Control Act (Cap 356), which governs the slaughter, inspection, handling, and transportation of meat in Kenya.
Under the law, food animals must be slaughtered only in licensed slaughterhouses under the supervision of a designated inspecting officer. All meat intended for sale must be inspected, officially stamped and transported in licensed containers, accompanied by a valid meat transport certificate.
“County governments are strongly urged to support county veterinary services in implementing the provisions of the Meat Control Act by remaining extra vigilant during this period,” the letter states.
Dr Sangula further directed counties to intensify surveillance and enforcement in collaboration with other government agencies, including public health officers, the police and county administration, to deter illegal operators who often exploit gaps in enforcement during high-demand periods.
Public health experts have consistently warned that consumption of uninspected meat poses a significant risk, particularly during festive seasons when informal slaughter points proliferate in urban and peri-urban areas.
Such meat may transmit zoonotic diseases or foodborne illnesses, including bacterial infections that can lead to severe complications, especially among children, the elderly and people with compromised immunity.
The advisory also highlights the legal consequences for those found engaging in the illegal meat trade. The Meat Control Act provides that offenders may be fined up to Sh10,000, jailed for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both.
While critics have previously argued that the penalties are outdated and insufficient to deter organised illegal trade, authorities say enforcement remains a key tool in protecting public health.
The warning comes amid broader concerns about food safety and regulatory compliance under Kenya’s devolved system of government, where counties are responsible for veterinary services and enforcement of meat inspection laws.
Effective coordination between national and county governments has been cited as critical in preventing disease outbreaks linked to unsafe food products.
The advisory was copied to the Principal Secretary for Livestock Development and the Director General of Health, signalling heightened inter-agency attention as the holiday season approaches.
Authorities have urged consumers to remain vigilant by purchasing meat only from licensed butcheries and checking for official inspection stamps, warning that public cooperation is essential in curbing the illegal trade and safeguarding public health during the festive period.
