The industry has been in the hands of the private sector for many years, apart from the time when Uplands Bacon factory under the Pig Industry Board had the monopoly. The factory collapsed and was wound up in 1987. After the collapse, pig processing has mainly remained with the Farmers Choice Ltd processing well over 70% of the pork produced in the country. Other players include Chefs' Choice, Hurlingham Butcheries, Oscar foods (Kikuyu), and many local pork butcheries in urban centres across the country. Pig production is mostly based on commercial concentrates whose quantity and quality of feeds fed varies from region to region and farm to farm. Keeping of scavenging pigs, which requires a minimum amount of inputs, is also common.
Free loitering pigs scavenging in dumping sites and market places is prohibited by law. About 65% pig farming is practiced in Central Province, Rift Valley and Western Provinces. The production cycle in the pig Industry is influenced to a large extent by the tourism sector. During peak tourism periods (June to August) and (December to January), pork demand is highest hence the players target this period. When tourism is off peak, the market suffers a glut (more pigs than the market can consume) leading to low pig producer prices. Products present in the market: bacon, ham, pies, rolls, sausages, pork cuts, tallow & lard. Pig manure is used on farms as fertilizer.
Population growth, urbanization and improved living standards have fuelled demand for meat and pork being cheap to produce compared to beef, has a bright future in the country.
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