The government is stepping up plans to turn Kenya’s livestock sector into a commercial export industry by improving access to water, financing, better breeds and international markets.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe discussed the plans with ranchers in Taita-Taveta County, where the government is looking at ways to increase livestock production and help farmers earn more from their animals.
The discussions focused on some of the challenges facing livestock farmers, including inadequate water, limited access to finance and markets, as well as the need for better breeding.
One of the key projects in the plan is the Bachuma National Livestock Quarantine Centre, which has been handed over to private investor Blue Mountain for commercialisation.
The facility is expected to provide quarantine, inspection and certification services for livestock being prepared for export.
It will also help ensure animals meet requirements on animal health, traceability and food safety before they are shipped to international markets.
The government sees the facility as an important link between Kenyan livestock farmers and overseas markets, while also creating room for private investment and employment.
The government is also proposing the creation of County Livestock Investment Companies in 23 arid and semi-arid counties.
The proposed model targets 15,000 livestock farmers in each county. Each farmer would contribute KSh3,000 towards a KSh10,000 share, with the government providing the remaining KSh7,000.
If implemented, the model would raise up to KSh150 million in each county and about KSh3.45 billion across the 23 counties.
The companies would bring farmers together to aggregate livestock, access bigger markets and earn returns through dividends or bonuses.
Another part of the plan is the Animal Identification and Traceability (ANITRAC) system, which is being used to keep records of livestock from their source.
The system helps trace the animals using information about their origin and health status.
According to the government, having such records will be necessary since Kenya needs to be ready to have access to international markets where animal health and traceability are the requirements.
In Taita-Taveta, both the national and county governments will collaborate with ranchers to identify possible sites for water pans and other infrastructure needed for livestock.
This will help increase availability of water and promote livestock production in the county’s rangelands.
The government will need to collaborate with investors by merging public and private resources for water development and regulation.
These measures will contribute to the government’s intentions to change the livestock farming from subsistence into more commercial one.