Tensions are high between Kenya and Uganda after traders from either country called for a block of importations on goods from the other.
A report by People Daily on Tuesday, December 15, indicated that poultry traders were pushing for the suspension of poultry products imports from Uganda.
In a statement, Kiambu Poultry and Co-operative society Secretary Zack Munyambu noted that the country had enough production to last till the second half of 2021.
He further noted that the country had a surplus of 253 days in chicken inventory.
“Covid-19 crisis has severely aggravated the situation with the closure of hotels, restaurants and other institutional buyers coupled with the restrictions in the movement of goods and people,” he stated.
The call comes just days after traders in Uganda are said to have pressured President Yoweri Museveni to ban beef and poultry importation from Kenya by Christmas day.
Munyambu defended the society's move explaining that it was paramount to prevent an oversupply in the market.
To prove his point, the secretary noted that when Covid-19 hit the globe, some European countries banned the importation of poultry products to prevent oversupply.
In a letter addressed to the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Department of Livestock Production, Kenya Federation of Poultry Farmers lamented that an unknown importer was supplying the imported products in the country affecting their pricing.
The federation was also seeking to have importation of processed Poultry farmers want imports from the region suspended. poultry products from all the East African Community suspended.
“Only fully dressed chicken is approved as imports from Uganda, parts are not acceptable because it is difficult to verify what else is coming with the parts,” read the letter.
Kenya’s trade ministry officials are engaged in talks with their Ugandan counterparts after it emerged that the traders were seeking to have Kenyan beef products blocked.
