By R, KNA
Vihiga County is set to benefit from enhanced livestock breeding services following a high-level meeting between Governor Wilber Ottichilo and a delegation from the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC), led by Board Chair Dr. Noor Abdi.
During the courtesy call, the two teams held preliminary discussions ahead of entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) scheduled for signing in January 2026. The agreement will deepen collaboration on livestock breed improvement and boost the county’s Animal Breeding Extension Services.
KAGRC—whose mandate aligns with global efforts to end poverty and achieve food and nutrition security—provides a wide range of services to support improved livestock productivity.
These include the production and sale of superior bull and dairy goat semen, supply of liquid nitrogen, affordable artificial insemination (A.I.) equipment and accessories, and technical support to counties seeking to revive or expand their A.I. programmes. The Centre also engages farmers through field days, exhibitions, and media outreach.
A major milestone for the organisation is the near-completion of its Embryo Transfer Laboratory, which is expected to accelerate advanced breeding technologies across the country.
Governor Ottichilo welcomed the partnership and confirmed plans to visit KAGRC facilities. He also called for capacity-building opportunities for Vihiga’s newly recruited veterinary officers, particularly in A.I. and modern breeding techniques.
With the planned collaboration, Vihiga County and KAGRC aim to significantly boost livestock productivity and contribute to a more food-secure future for local communities.
