Kenya’s poultry farmers are furious with Farmers Choice Limited (FCL) for importing cheap chicken from Uganda instead of purchasing locally produced products. Led by the Kiambu Poultry Farmers Cooperative Society, the farmers are accusing FCL of violating East African Community (EAC) Anti-Dumping Regulations.
The EAC defines “dumping” as importing goods at a price lower than the normal market value in the country of origin. In January 2025, FCL imported 11,000 kg of chicken from Uganda’s SR Afro Chick & Breeders at USD 2.4 per kilogram—significantly cheaper than the local price of KES 380 per kilogram. “This price is lower than Kenya’s standard and is clear evidence of dumping,” said the farmers in a statement.
Dumping occurs when a product is sold in one country for less than its normal value in the exporting country. Evidence provided by the farmers shows that in Uganda, the same chicken is sold for USD 2.9 per kilogram yet the same company transports the chicken to Nairobi and sells at USD 2.4. The price difference between Uganda and Kenya is $0.50 per kilogram (KES 62), representing a 20% undercut – A clear case of dumping.
The farmers are now calling on the Kenya Trade Remedies Agency (KETRA) to investigate and take action. KETRA is responsible for addressing cases of dumping in Kenya.
In a previous interview, KETRA CEO Samuel Chemisto made it clear that dumping is unacceptable in Kenya. While the World Trade Organization’s Anti-Dumping Agreement allows for dumping, it outlines the actions governments can take to protect their markets from unfair trade practices.
With these fresh allegations, the pressure is mounting on KETRA to step in and safeguard Kenya’s poultry industry from foreign competition undercutting local farmers.
Since November 2024, Kenya’s poultry farmers have been grappling with severe challenges due to the dumping of chicken meat into the local market. This influx of imported poultry products has led to artificially low prices, undermining the competitiveness of local producers and threatening their livelihoods. Despite these pressing issues, the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) has remained notably silent, offering no guidance or intervention to address the crisis.
The situation is exacerbated by existing systemic problems within the industry. Farmers have long contended with exploitation by powerful cartels that control key markets, such as Nairobi’s City Market. These cartels impose unfair pricing structures, further squeezing the profits of small-scale producers. Additionally, inconsistent tax policies across counties result in double taxation, inflating operational costs and hindering inter-county trade. For instance, Mombasa County imposes various fees, including carcass inspection and offloading charges, which cumulatively burden small-scale farmers.
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