Entrepreneurs running rabbit slaughterhouses have raised concern over the acute shortage of the animals in the country, making them unable to meet the rising demand for the meat in the country.
The Rabbits Breeders Association of Kenya (RABAK), a Thika-based company that slaughters and sells rabbit meat, says they are struggling when sourcing for rabbits for slaughtering.
Speaking at the slaughterhouses in Thika town, RAABAK Chairman Peter Waiganjo said his slaughterhouse operates only once a week due to the shortage of the animals in the market.
He said due to the shortage, they can only slaughter 200 rabbits every Wednesday, a fraction of what the market requires, which is exclusively distributed to selected supermarkets and hotels.
“The demand for rabbit meat has soared over the years to a level that entrepreneurs in the industry can’t meet. Many people previously considered eating rabbit meat taboo, but due to its health benefits and delicious taste, many Kenyans have embraced the meat. We are struggling to get many of these animals to our slaughterhouses,” said Waiganjo.
He urged more farmers to venture into rabbit farming to bridge the supply gap, noting that religious and cultural taboos that once discouraged rabbit consumption have significantly diminished.
Elkana Gaitho, a successful rabbit farmer, shared how rearing rabbits has transformed his livelihood. He is among the few who supply the animals to the Thika slaughterhouses.
Gaitho currently has more than 100 rabbits in his over 10 years of rearing the animals and says he can’t regret engaging in the venture.
“This venture has helped me provide for my family, put food on the table, and even pay school fees for my children,” he said.
Besides selling the animals for meat, the farmers are also making money from rabbit urine, which is highly sought after as an organic foliar fertiliser and biopesticide.
Gaitho noted that half a litre of rabbit urine sells for over Sh500, making it an additional source of income for rabbit farmers.
Recognising the growing potential of rabbit farming, Kiambu County Deputy Speaker John Njiru, who is also the Hospital Ward MCA in Thika, said the county government will continue supporting rabbit farmers with inputs and extension advice.
He added that the county government is considering distributing free rabbits to interested farmers as an incentive to boost production.
Njiru observed that with rabbit meat gaining popularity and lucrative opportunities emerging in rabbit farming, increasing investment in the sector could create jobs and strengthen Kenya’s agribusiness economy. He encourages farmers to seize this opportunity and help meet the ever-growing demand.
By Muoki Charles
