Nairobi: The Principal Secretary of the State Department for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, has called on farmers to adopt best practices in livestock rearing to enhance the appeal of their products in both local and international markets. Mueke announced that the government is implementing an animal identification and traceability system aimed at reducing cattle theft and promoting transparency within the livestock value chain. This initiative is expected to enable tracking from farm to fork and assist in recovering stolen livestock.
According to Kenya News Agency, during a graduation ceremony at the Animal Health and Industry Training Institute (AHITI) in Nyahururu, Mueke reiterated the government's dedication to modernizing the livestock sector to boost productivity and ensure food security. As part of this commitment, 17 lecturers have been assigned to AHITI this year to bolster training and research in animal health and production. Mueke highlighted the importance of competency-based training at the institute, designed to provide graduates with practical skills to effectively serve farmers.
Since its establishment, AHITI Nyahururu has produced over 3,000 graduates, with 246 students joining the alumni community this year. Mueke stressed the necessity of aligning agricultural production with market demands to capitalize on the existing demand for meat, milk, leather, honey, and eggs. He also emphasized the need for improved breed management, disease control through vaccination, and enhanced feed production, noting that Kenya currently produces only 55 percent of its animal feeds. Farmers are encouraged to produce their own feeds with proper nutritional value to maximize productivity.
Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Allan Azegele, underscored the need for a qualified workforce that meets global animal health and welfare standards. He stated that students are required to undertake field attachments to gain real-time experience before entering the industry. Nyandarua Deputy Governor Mwangi Mathara suggested renaming AHITI Nyahururu to AHITI Nyandarua, pointing out the institution's location in Ol Jororok, Nyandarua County. He commended the institute's role in training local farmers and assured continued county support through student attachments and infrastructure improvements.
Nyandarua County Commissioner Abdirisack Jaldesa praised parents for investing in their children's education and highlighted the significance of food security in empowering students to contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector.