Busia: The government is in the process of rolling out an Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANTITRAC) that will ensure identification of animals from the owner, breed to the vaccination it has received. Speaking during the opening of the Nambale livestock sale yard in Busia County on Wednesday, Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said the ANITRAC software, which is at the piloting stage at the government farms, will be rolled out to the county for every animal to have an identification number.
According to Kenya News Agency, every animal will be tagged with a chip containing a code that provides detailed information such as the name of the animal's owner, its weight, birth date, milk production, and vaccination history. Mueke emphasized that this initiative aims to simplify market operations and enhance the profitability for farmers by improving the pricing of animals.
The government has also implemented measures to enhance livestock quality through the National Breed Improvement programme, which employs artificial insemination and embryo transfer. These interventions are subsidized by the government to assist farmers in meeting market demands for both quality and quantity.
The newly inaugurated livestock sale yard was developed by the national government in collaboration with the County Government of Busia under the Kelcop project at a cost of Sh 23 million. The market includes a quarantine area, sale yard, shade, stalls, and officers, which are expected to create job opportunities in various sectors.
Director of Livestock Production Bishar Fille Elmi highlighted Busia County's significant involvement in livestock farming, noting that the county is home to 1.2 million poultry, 217,000 cattle, 197,000 goats, and 112,000 sheep. The county conducts annual treatments for these animals to ensure their health and productivity.
Busia County CECM for Agriculture George Mukok stated that the market will stimulate livestock production in the region and emphasized the importance of the quarantine section to ensure only healthy animals are traded. Mukok also noted that the identification initiative will play a crucial role in preventing livestock theft.
Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga encouraged residents to engage more in farming to supply raw materials for the county's industrial projects, including the EPZ and County aggregation and industrial park at Nasewa. He also mentioned the construction of 11 markets at different stages to provide a conducive business environment.
Nambale Market Management Committee Chairperson Jackline Musungu expressed optimism that the project will help curb theft, as traders now have a secure holding place for their livestock. Musungu also mentioned that Kelcop has empowered traders by educating them about their rights and responsibilities in the market.