The Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) has teamed up with the East Africa Portland Cement Company (EAPCC) in a merger that will see them receive 10,000 acres of land from the cement producer. The land, which was being held as an asset base in Athi River for EAPCC, will now be used to store 3000 cattle. KMC will pay for the accommodations with a rental fee that has not yet been disclosed and Portland will use the proceeds to increase its revenue. KMC intends to use the area to reserve cattle for low yield seasons in August and February.
According to the company’s Managing Commissioner, Dr Ibrahim Issak, the holding area will enable KMC to effectively supply meat to local as well as international markets like China and Mauritius.
The company currently has a slaughter capacity of 3250 animals per day and supplies meat to countries in the Middle East, North, East and Central Africa, including Tanzania, Uganda, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This number is set to rise as China, anew player in the game, seeks a consignment of no less than 2000 tonnes of meat per month. The meat producer also intends to raise KES 300 million for maintaining its factory and fencing its holding area.
KMC reports that the move will boost its production as well as create new jobs. The Board of Directors has also noted that stakeholders should expect returns as soon as the new initiatives gain traction.