Why you should be wary of meat you eat during festive season

Meat on sell in a butchery../FILE

AS Kenyans prepare to usher in the festive season, the authorities have warned of a possible spike in the illegal meat trade, which typically rises during the holidays.

The Directorate of Veterinary Services says the festive period often sees increased illegal slaughter, transportation and sale of uninspected meat.

“The festive season often sees an increase in illegal slaughter, transport and sale of uninspected meat by unscrupulous individuals, a trend observed in previous years,” said Dr Abraham Sangula, the Deputy Director of Veterinary Services.

In a letter dated December 9, 2025, Dr Sangula warned that the illegal trade exposes consumers to unhygienic meat products that may contain harmful micro-organisms, drug residues and other contaminants, posing serious public health risks.

The letter, circulated to county directors of veterinary services through the Council of Governors, notes that such activities violate the Meat Control Act (Cap 356).

Under the law, food animals must be slaughtered only in licensed slaughterhouses under the supervision of an inspecting officer.

Meat must be inspected, officially stamped and transported in licensed containers accompanied by a valid transport certificate.

“County governments are strongly urged to support county veterinary services in implementing the provisions of the Meat Control Act by remaining extra vigilant during this period,” the letter states.

Dr Sangula added that surveillance should be enhanced in collaboration with other government agencies and deterrent action taken to curb the illegal trade.

Authorities have previously warned that consumption of uninspected meat could trigger disease outbreaks.

The Meat Control Act provides that offenders are liable to a fine of up to Sh10,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.

The advisory was also copied to the Principal Secretary for Livestock Development and the Director General of Health.