Nairobi: The Government is implementing a raft of critical initiatives that will create opportunities for small-scale livestock keepers to tap into regional and global markets, and in turn help unlock their economic potential and sustainability of the country’s livestock industry. The initiatives are also geared towards addressing the long-standing challenges faced by the livestock sub-sector including limited market access, inconsistent supply chains and vulnerability to effects of climate change.
According to Kenya News Agency, an advisor at the Livestock and Rangeland Management in the Office of the President, Professor Abdi Yakub Guliye, emphasized that innovation is key to spurring growth in the sector that holds numerous untapped opportunities. Professor Guliye stated the importance of devolved units and their non-state partners complementing the national government’s efforts to establish reliable markets for livestock products and create an enabling environment to unlock the sector’s economic potential.
The government is prioritizing key value chains, including beef, sheep, goats, indigenous poultry, honey, dairy, and leather, to enhance productivity and sustainability within the livestock sub-sector. The promotion of feedlots and the commercialization of livestock keeping are anticipated to improve livestock off-take for the market. Additionally, measures and programs are being supported to develop the livestock sub-sector, which is expected to result in job creation, increased revenue, improved food and nutrition security, and enhanced sustainable livelihoods.
Professor Guliye underscored the role of innovation in utilizing surplus meat and livestock products, advocating for an ecosystem where nothing goes to waste. His remarks were made during a forum at Egerton University’s Njoro Main Campus, featuring a panel of experts exploring ways to improve the sub-sector. Challenges such as the high prevalence of transboundary diseases and low-quality produce due to underutilization of innovation and modern technologies were highlighted as factors affecting the competitiveness of Kenya’s livestock products.
The livestock sector is vital to Kenya’s economy, contributing approximately 12% to the national GDP and 42% of the agricultural GDP. Approximately 70% of ruminant livestock is located in the arid and semi-arid lands, which constitute around 80% of the country’s land mass, primarily under pastoral production systems. Improving service delivery through extension and advisory services, ICT platforms, and mobile advisory systems is seen as crucial for bridging information gaps and supporting farmers.
Access to credit, structured markets, and cooperatives can further enhance sales, incomes, and bargaining power for smallholder livestock producers. The development of strong cooperatives could enhance their ability to negotiate better prices, improve economies of scale, and gain access to secure payment systems. Strengthening policy and institutional frameworks to support innovation and investments in infrastructure is essential for unlocking the full potential of the livestock sector.
Kenya’s strategic location offers opportunities for exporting high-quality livestock products to the Gulf countries, attracting investors from the Middle East and beyond. Dr. Michael Cheruiyot, Nakuru County Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services Chief Officer, emphasized the need for policies and regulations that promote agribusiness, quality assurance, and safety standards in the livestock sector. Addressing sanitary and phytosanitary standards is crucial for meeting international market health requirements, especially for indigenous breeds recognized for their resilience and potential in niche markets.
Dr. Cheruiyot also highlighted the threat posed by perennial livestock disease outbreaks, which affect both animal health and economic stability. He supported the national government’s plan for a national livestock vaccination program and stressed the importance of meeting health regulations and safety standards for successfully implementing recently signed trade agreements for livestock products. Collaborative efforts between national and county governments are suggested to align agricultural policies and strategies, sharing resources and expertise to avoid duplication and enhance the livestock sector’s growth.