Kenya Airways has transported more than 50 cows from Nairobi to Lagos, Nigeria, in its first livestock shipment, marking a new milestone in the airline’s efforts to expand its cargo operations and support trade across Africa.
The animals were flown on October 27, 2026, in a dedicated cargo charter from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The operation was managed through KQ Live, the airline’s specialised cargo service for transporting live animals.
The service incorporates dedicated handling procedures and environmental controls, including temperature regulation and ventilation, to support animal welfare throughout the journey, which took approximately five hours and 15 minutes.
Fitsum Abadi, cargo director, Kenya Airways, said transporting live animals requires careful planning and coordination at every stage.
“Live animal shipments require meticulous planning, specialised handling and close coordination throughout the journey. This milestone reinforces our commitment to supporting intra-African trade through flexible and reliable cargo solutions,” Abadi said.
The shipment was carried aboard a Kenya Airways Cargo Boeing 737-800 freighter, registration number 5Y-KCA, specifically operated for cargo transportation.
The maiden livestock flight comes as Kenya Airways continues to strengthen its cargo division as a key component of its business strategy, seeking to diversify revenue streams and reduce its reliance on passenger travel.
In June, the airline outlined plans to increase cargo’s contribution to its business amid volatility in the passenger market.
The carrier set a target of growing its share of the cargo market from 11 per cent to 40 per cent.
The strategy appears to be gaining momentum.
Kenya Airways reported an 18 per cent year-on-year increase in cargo revenue during the first half of 2026, with earnings rising to KSh8.77 billion from KSh7.46 billion recorded in the same period last year.
Cargo performance outpaced the airline’s overall revenue growth, contributing to a total turnover of KSh81.25 billion for the six months.
Beyond livestock, Kenya Airways has expanded its cargo-handling capabilities to accommodate a wide range of shipments, including pharmaceuticals, perishable goods, dangerous goods and e-commerce consignments.
The airline also maintains four scheduled direct passenger flights per week between Nairobi and Lagos.
Its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet provides regular cargo capacity in the lower deck on the route, offering freight forwarders predictable space for transporting goods.
The livestock shipment highlights Kenya Airways’ efforts to broaden its cargo services and tap into growing opportunities in intra-African trade by offering specialised transportation solutions for different industries.
