Goat farmers in Kirinyaga County are recording improved productivity and higher incomes following the establishment of the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC) Goat Artificial Insemination (AI) facility at Ndomba.
The facility, which was officially launched last year by President William Ruto, was established to improve goat breeds for both dairy and meat production through the provision of high-quality genetic materials.
Since its commissioning, the centre has become a game changer for hundreds of farmers in Kirinyaga and neighboring counties who previously struggled to access affordable and quality artificial insemination services.
With an annual production capacity of 100,000 semen doses, the facility is expected to accelerate the transition from traditional low-yielding goat breeds to improved breeds capable of producing more milk and quality meat for both local and export markets.
Poor genetics is one of the major challenges hindering growth in Kenya’s livestock sector, particularly among goat farmers. The introduction of the AI centre is therefore expected to significantly enhance productivity, improve milk yields and strengthen food security while creating new income opportunities for farmers.
According to farmers, access to quality breeding services was previously limited and often costly, forcing many to rely on natural breeding methods that offered slow genetic improvement.
Margaret Muchira, a dairy goat farmer from Kirinyaga, says the establishment of the centre has transformed goat farming in the region.
“Before the facility was established, accessing artificial insemination services was difficult and expensive. Farmers had to travel long distances and pay high costs for the services,” she said.
Muchira noted that farmers can now access AI services at approximately Sh500, making the technology affordable to small-scale livestock keepers.
She added that the partnership between the national government and the County Government of Kirinyaga is helping farmers embrace modern livestock production technologies that are expected to increase output and profitability.
“With access to quality genetics and technical support, farmers are now able to improve their herds and increase milk production. This will translate to better incomes and improved livelihoods for farming families,” she said.
The Kirinyaga County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, John Gachara, lauded the impact of the AI programme, saying it forms part of broader efforts aimed at modernizing livestock farming and improving household incomes.
He noted that the ongoing Artificial Insemination programme was introduced to ensure farmers have access to superior livestock breeds capable of producing higher yields.
Through the programme, livestock officers are working closely with farmers to promote the adoption of improved breeding technologies and provide extension services to enhance livestock management practices.
The facility in addition is expected to contribute to the country’s efforts to increase livestock productivity, meet the growing demand for dairy and meat products, and improve the competitiveness of Kenyan livestock products in regional and international markets.
by Mutai Kipng’etich
