Maralal: The government is committed to improving livestock breeds in Samburu county to ensure local meat and milk products access international markets. Speaking at the Nomotio Livestock Improvement Centre in Maralal town, Livestock Development PS Jonathan Mueke announced the completion of distributing 2,810 Galana goats as part of a restocking program to enhance goat breeding in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the government has also secured a market for livestock products in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a significant shift in the livestock products export strategy. Mueke noted that international markets will offer better prices for livestock products and live animals, contingent on the provision of high-quality animals through breed improvement and vaccination.
Mueke further revealed plans for a subsidized national mass vaccination exercise set to commence in Samburu county, following herder sensitization through the Food Systems Resilient Project. He urged local herders to cooperate with extension officers in vaccinating their animals. Additionally, he highlighted the impact of cattle rustling on the livestock market and announced the launch of the Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANITRAC). This system, successfully tested on government-owned farms, will be rolled out across counties to curb cattle theft. Each animal will have a tag with a chip containing information about the owner, breed, weight, and vaccination history, facilitating traceability and aiding in theft prevention.
During the event, Mueke also inaugurated a Sh13.2 million water pan at the Nomotio Livestock Improvement Centre, boasting a 20-million-litre capacity to support the livestock economy and provide relief to residents and their livestock during dry seasons.
County Executive for Agriculture Moses Leluata emphasized the county government's commitment to transforming livestock rearing from a traditional activity to a sustainable economic enterprise. He highlighted that 11 percent of the county's development budget is allocated to livestock and agricultural sectors, enabling the purchase and distribution of 1000 camels and 1000 Sahiwal heifers annually to enhance livelihoods through livestock production.
Leluata praised the partnership between the Samburu county government and the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLoP), which includes training 20 community-based animal health workers and supplying veterinary drugs and vaccines. The event was attended by Samburu County Commissioner John Cheruiyot, the president's advisor on livestock Prof. Abdi Guliye, and KeLop county coordinator Dr. Edward Lolokuru, among other government officials.