GARISSA – The price of goats has significantly increased in Garissa’s main livestock markets due to a decline in supply, leaving traders and buyers grappling with the economic impact.
According to local traders, the average price of a mature goat has risen from KSh 6,000 to between KSh 8,500 and KSh 10,000 over the past few weeks.
The price surge is being attributed to reduced supply caused by prolonged dry spells, which have affected grazing patterns and livestock health across the region.
“We are witnessing fewer goats being brought to the market,” said Abdi Noor, a livestock trader at the Garissa Livestock Market.
“The drought has pushed many herders to migrate further in search of pasture and water, and those who have animals are reluctant to sell due to the tough conditions.”
Herders in the arid and semi-arid parts of Garissa County rely heavily on livestock as their main source of income and livelihood.
However, the current environmental challenges have made it difficult to maintain large herds, contributing to the drop in supply.
At the same time, demand remains high, especially as the Muslim community prepares for upcoming religious festivities, during which livestock is traditionally bought for sacrifice and family gatherings.
“Prices are high, but demand is still strong. Everyone wants to secure a goat early before prices go even higher,” said Sahara Hassan, a buyer at the market.
“It’s hard for ordinary families to afford meat right now,” she added.
Historically, Garissa served as a key area for nomadic pastoralism and was an important link in traditional trade routes that connected the coastal areas with the interior regions of Kenya.
The Garissa County Livestock Department has not commented on the trend. The department aims to improve the livelihoods and food security of Garissa communities by promoting innovative, commercially oriented value chain-oriented livestock-based enterprises.
The mandate of the livestock development department is to promote, regulate, and facilitate livestock production for socio economic development and industrialization.
County officials work with humanitarian partners to provide support to vulnerable pastoralist communities affected by the changing climate.
Livestock markets in Northern Kenya play a crucial role in the regional economy, and fluctuations in supply and demand have ripple effects on food security, household income, and trade.
According to the 2019 census, Garissa County had 816,057 camels, 3,857,292 goats, 2,746,577 sheep, 1,407,170 indigenous cattle, 6,063 exotic dairy cattle, 7,458 exotic beef cattle, and 47,645 farmers.
The pastoral communities in Garissa County continue to face challenges from drought and diseases, leading to significant livestock losses.
In 2022, the County lost over two million livestock due to poor rainfall caused by climate shocks.
Pastoral communities in the region depend on livestock keeping for both income and prestige.
