The Principal Secretary (PS) for Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, has encouraged young people to explore opportunities in the livestock sector, describing it as a modern and dynamic industry capable of creating jobs, businesses and wealth for the country.
Speaking during the Livestock Career Open Day at the Animal Health and Industry Training Institute (AHITI) Kabete grounds in Nairobi, Mueke emphasized that the sector has evolved beyond traditional livestock keeping and now offers diverse career and entrepreneurship opportunities along the value chain.
Addressing students, livestock professionals and stakeholders attending the event, the PS observed that the livestock sector plays a critical role in Kenya’s economy by supporting livelihoods, enhancing food security and stimulating economic activity across the country.
“What excites me most about today is not just the event itself, but the audience in front of me, young people who represent the future of Kenya’s agriculture and livestock sector,” he expressed.
Further, Mueke explained that although many people still associate livestock farming with traditional rural activities such as rearing cows, goats and poultry, the sector has transformed into a modern industry with enormous potential for employment and entrepreneurship.
According to the PS, the livestock industry consists of a broad value chain with numerous entry points for careers and business ventures.
Young people, he noted, can find opportunities in areas such as animal health and veterinary services, dairy and meat production, livestock breeding and genetics, food manufacturing and nutrition, leather and hides processing, livestock marketing and trade as well as agribusiness and value addition.
“Each of these areas represents real opportunities to create jobs and build profitable businesses,” Mueke affirmed, adding that a young person can start small enterprises such as dairy, goat or poultry farming and expand them into thriving ventures that create employment for others.
Additionally, he underscored that the livestock sector not only produces job seekers but also nurtures job creators capable of driving economic transformation.
On the other hand, the PS highlighted the crucial role played by livestock training institutions in equipping young people with practical skills necessary for success in the industry.
“Our livestock training institutes provide hands-on training that equips young people with skills in livestock management, animal health, agribusiness and value addition,” explained Mueke.
Equally, he pointed out that graduates from the institutions are prepared to work in government agencies, county governments, private sector organizations or establish their own agribusiness ventures.
The PS also mentioned that technological advancement is transforming the livestock sector, opening new frontiers for innovation and efficiency in production systems.
Among the emerging technologies shaping the industry, he cited digital livestock traceability systems, precision feeding technologies, smart dairy management systems, artificial intelligence in animal health diagnostics, advanced breeding technologies and online livestock markets.
The PS at the same time maintained that young people are naturally innovative and technologically savvy, making them well positioned to lead the sector’s digital transformation.
“Young people are uniquely positioned to lead the digital transformation in the livestock sector. The next breakthrough in livestock may come from any one of you,” stressed Mueke, urging youth to develop solutions such as livestock management applications, feed innovations and digital marketplaces.
Concurrently, the PS reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering youth and strengthening the livestock sector through investment in training, innovation and infrastructure.
He disclosed that the government is currently constructing three new livestock training institutes at Awendo in Migori County, Kitui Rural in Kitui County and Mogotio in Baringo County to expand access to training opportunities across the country.
The government is also promoting innovation through research initiatives, digital learning platforms and financial tools aimed at supporting livestock farmers and youth entrepreneurs.
Similarly, Mueke revealed that the government has developed a digital financing application designed to facilitate access to credit for livestock keepers, pastoralists and youth enterprises in the sector.
He further pointed to the Nyota Programme, which aims to empower young people economically by providing start-up capital to help them establish small and medium enterprises.
“Our goal as government is to transform the livestock sector into a powerful engine for youth employment, agribusiness growth and wealth creation,” the PS affirmed.
Likewise, he urged young people attending the career open day to explore the various exhibition stands and learn about the numerous career opportunities available within the livestock value chain.
“Do not underestimate the opportunities in this sector. The next generation of livestock entrepreneurs, veterinarians, agribusiness dealers and innovators may be sitting right here,” Mueke encouraged.
To this regard, the PS emphasized that livestock is no longer merely a traditional activity but a sector driven by technology, innovation and business potential capable of transforming livelihoods.
“As we empower young people with the right skills, technology and access to opportunity, we will transform the livestock sector into one of the biggest drivers of jobs and prosperity in our country,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the Livestock Career Open Day brought together students, livestock professionals and training institutions from across the country to showcase educational opportunities and career pathways in the sector.
The event also provided a platform for young people to interact with experts and institutions offering training in animal health, livestock management and agribusiness, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiative will inspire a new generation of professionals to drive growth in Kenya’s livestock industry.
By Nicholas Ochieng
