UASIN GISHU, Kenya – A significant boost to Uasin Gishu County’s livestock industry and its endeavours to economically empower farmers has been signalled by the historic dispatch of 50 in-calf Ayrshire heifers to Nigeria.
Through Kinanie Agrovet Suppliers Ltd., which purchased the animals from nearby farmers before transporting them by air via Eldoret International Airport, the milestone was accomplished.
This innovation supports Governor Jonathan Bii’s Nguzo Kumi programme, especially the agricultural transformation pillar.
Eng. Abraham Kiptalam, Chief Officer for Agriculture and Livestock Development, praised the accomplishment during the flag-off at Eldoret International Airport, saying it was a direct result of Governor Bii’s vision and dedication to livestock development.
“We are here to witness a maiden export of our livestock to Nigeria. The number of livestock that we are exporting is 50 dairy breeding cattle. We have sourced all these across the county of Uasin Gishu,” said Eng. Kiplatam.
How were the 50 in-calf Ayrshire heifers to Nigeria sourced
News 9 Kenya has established that the regional government has greatly improved breed quality and made it possible to access global markets through its strategic investments in the livestock industry, which include subsidised AI services, redesigned cattle dips, and enhanced disease control.
“The initiative that the county government has taken in the last two years under Governor Bii has established several cattle dips; we are renovating the structures and making sure that we stick to the dipping program and parasite control,” Eng. Kiplatam.
To make sure that the county government gets proper and quality cattle breeds, Governor Bii’s administration has subsidised the AI services, which are now being done at Sh500 per animal.
The heifers, News 9 Kenya knows, were sourced by Kinanie Agrovet Suppliers Ltd from farmers across the county and flown out of Eldoret International Airport, marking Uasin Gishu’s first-ever air export of livestock to Nigeria, West Africa.
Director of Kinanie Agrovet, Dr. Sylvester Malei, revealed that interest is growing from countries in the Middle East, West Africa, and East Africa.
“We are trying to introduce the Ayrshire breed, which is a very versatile breed. This first trip is for Nigeria,” said Dr. Malei.
The consignment Dr. Malei disclosed is being exported to Ogun State, which is just on the outskirts of Lagos.
“They have tried out cattle from South Africa, but with little success. So, we look to harness a lot of that potential from Uasin Gishu County, which has some of the best genetics of any livestock that you can find across the East African region,” added Dr. Malei.
How the Uasin Gishu County government supports dairy farmers
Dr. Malei reiterated that the county government of Uasin Gishu has been supportive and helped them a lot on their baby steps in getting their cattle disease-free.
Nixon Cheplong, the Chief Officer for Economic Planning, agreed with Eng. Kiplatam, advising farmers to deal directly with exporters and cut out intermediaries to maximise revenues.
“The impact of this exercise on our farmers is quite immense. First, the economic impact: our farmers are now getting maximum profits from selling the cattle, and it has shown the investor confidence in our territory in how we are breeding our livestock, and that gives us proper leverage in terms of the export of our livestock,” explained Cheplong.
County Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Philip Biama, confirmed that Uasin Gishu’s livestock has already reached Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania, with Saudi Arabia expressing interest.
He emphasised that the exported heifers meet rigorous international health and production standards, a testament to the county’s strong veterinary systems and dedicated farmers.
Discussion about this post