Governors from Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) counties have been urged to join forces with the national government in transforming Kenya’s livestock sector into a driver of food security, rural livelihoods, and economic growth.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe, speaking during a livestock sector review meeting in Mombasa held jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and ASAL county governments, encouraged the respective governors to align their efforts with national interventions designed to unlock the full potential of the livestock economy.
The ministry has earmarked several measures to rejuvenate the sector, including rangeland restoration, sustainable feed supply, routine livestock vaccination, animal identification and traceability and a targeted breed improvement programme.
“It is the ministry’s policy that the entire production process in the sector is focused on the market requirements,” stated the CS.
“This will be achieved through effective disease control, expanding financial access for livestock farmers, building strong producer organizations, organized marketing for livestock and livestock products to enable access to the lucrative livestock markets,” he added
Kagwe noted that as the country faces demographic changes and climate challenges, a resilient and inclusive livestock sector could serve as a cornerstone for food security, economic progress and rural transformation.
Through the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) 2019–2029, the Ministry aims to raise smallholder and pastoralist incomes, boost agricultural output, promote value addition, enhance food resilience, and accelerate digitization.
The CS further assured that the government is committed to strengthening the legal and regulatory framework, engaging development partners to address supply-side challenges and supporting trade negotiations to expand export opportunities for Kenyan livestock products.
To enhance accuracy in planning and investments, the Ministry of Agriculture is updating livestock data through the Kenya Livestock Master Plan and the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System.
“With a growing population projected and increasing urbanization, the demand for animal-source foods is expected to rise significantly,” said the CS, adding that the ASAL counties are home to over 70 percent of Kenya’s livestock population and are the backbone of traditional meat production.
However, he acknowledged persistent challenges, including climate vulnerability, degraded rangelands, gaps in infrastructure and limited access to food, water, and veterinary services.
“The Livestock sector in the ASALs will experience transformative growth through enhanced breeding programs, development of resilient feed and water systems and effective delivery of livestock extension and veterinary services,” said the CS.
“Scientific research, policy alignment, enactment of the livestock bill and other sector thematic bills and stakeholder collaboration will be key to unlocking its full potential,” he added.
Council of Governors Chairman and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi echoed the call for bold action, warning against fragmented investments by multiple actors.
“Central to this conversation is doing away with mini-investments by multiple actors that do not know what the other is doing. This includes many government agencies and even programmes supported by our development partners,” he stated
Abdullahi encouraged the ASAL counties to reduce the multiplicity of actors and use each of the county’s and the County Integrated Development Plans as the entry point for investing in the livestock economy.
“We must invest in infrastructure for value addition. Facilities like the Isiolo abattoir and the Wajir and Garissa transport hubs are assets that can anchor regional meat and livestock exports. But they must be fully operational, co-financed by counties and private investors, and plugged into global supply chains,” he stated.
Additionally, the governor warned that without strong veterinary services like the Kenyan government initiative to create a modern national animal traceability stem dubbed ANITRAC, the counties will remain locked out of premium export markets.
“Disease control, surveillance, and certification must be harmonized across counties to meet international standards. Livestock is often sold in fragmented, informal markets. By building cooperatives and county livestock boards, we can aggregate supply, stabilize prices, and empower pastoralists,” he said.
Abdullahi also encouraged the ASAL counties to embrace early warning systems, drought insurance and climate-smart planning to protect livelihoods before disaster strikes.
Garissa Governor and Chairman of ASAL and Disaster Risk Management Committee Nathif Jama said counties would consolidate their priorities into a comprehensive livestock blueprint to be presented to the CS for onward submission to the President.
Other governors present included Mutahi Kahiga (Nyeri), Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa), Muthomi Njuki (Tharaka Nithi), Andrew Mwadime (Taita Taveta), Simon Kachapin (West Pokot), Joshua Irungu (Laikipia) and Benjamin Cheboi (Baringo).
Deputy governors in attendance were Linda Kiome (Meru), Lucy Mulili (Makueni), Mahadh Loka (Tana River), Kinyua Mugo (Embu), and Dr. Mbarak Bahjaj (Lamu), alongside Principal Secretary for Livestock Jonathan Mueke, Council of Governors officials and County Agriculture Executives from 24 counties.
By Sadik Hassan
