Kenya approves domesticated water buffalo meat amid conservation concerns

KENYA – Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has officially licensed the human consumption of domesticated water buffalo meat. 

This decision, published in a Kenya Gazette notice on January 31, 2025, paves the way for farming, slaughter, and processing of the species for meat.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 2 of the Meat Control Act, the Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary declares the Domesticated Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) as a food animal for purposes of the Act,” the gazette notice states.

Buffalo meat is widely regarded as a healthier alternative to beef due to its lower saturated fat content. 

Nutritionists and food experts have welcomed the decision, citing the dietary benefits of buffalo meat, which is high in protein and iron while being leaner than beef. 

Water buffalo meat is already popular in some parts of the world, where it is used in sausages, burgers, and slow-cooked dishes such as rendang.

Policy breeds contention 

However, the move has raised concerns among conservationists who fear the policy could encourage poaching of wild buffalo species, including the Cape buffalo, a protected species found in Kenya’s national parks and reserves. 

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has warned that poaching has already led to declining buffalo populations across Africa, including water buffalos in some regions.

Critics argue that the decision to classify the domesticated water buffalo as a food animal is perplexing, given the lack of clarity on its population in Kenya. 

World Animal Protection Organization research manager Dr. Patrick Muinde questioned the necessity of the gazettement, noting that Kenya lacks publicly available data on the presence or farming of domesticated water buffalos.

“What is the essence of gazetting an animal that is not in the country for food? The move should be backed by data so that we can understand its potential contribution to food security and the economy,” Muinde stated.

Experts also suggest that the policy could open the door for the importation of domesticated water buffalos or their meat, further complicating regulatory oversight. 

Nature Kenya’s Sites and Species expert Paul Gacheru has raised concerns about whether adequate legal frameworks exist to prevent the illegal trade of buffalo meat, particularly from Kenya’s native Cape buffalo population.

While domesticated water buffalos are commonly farmed in Asia, Europe, and parts of South America for milk, labour, and meat production, their introduction to Kenya raises logistical and ecological questions. 

Wildlife researcher Amos Chege highlighted the significant differences between domesticated water buffaloes and the African Cape buffalo, warning against any attempts to domesticate the latter.

“African buffaloes are far more aggressive and have never been successfully domesticated. They also carry diseases such as anthrax, which could spread to livestock and humans if not carefully managed,” Chege said.

Kenyan laws currently prohibit hunting or trading in game meat, except for specific species such as crocodiles, ostriches, and certain birds. 

Conservationists warn that a lack of regulatory capacity could lead to unintended consequences, including an increase in poaching and the risk of Cape buffalo meat entering the market under the guise of domesticated buffalo meat.

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