(Naivasha) – To improve the health of its livestock and unlock new export opportunities, Kenya has launched a comprehensive immunization campaign across the country. This national initiative, backed by substantial government investment, aims to mitigate recurrent disease outbreaks that have long hindered the livestock sector from accessing lucrative global markets, particularly in Europe, where strict health standards have limited entry.
The government has committed millions of shillings to this effort, which is anticipated to benefit farmers by improving animal health and, consequently, boosting their earnings. President William Ruto emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance the welfare and profitability of the livestock sector.
Dr. Richard Kyuma, Director and Head of Marketing at the State Department for Livestock Development, explained that livestock diseases—such as Foot and Mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, pneumonia, and anthrax—have not only impacted animal health but also caused export market closures. These health challenges, coupled with limited access to high-quality animal feed, have created persistent setbacks for Kenyan livestock farmers. The government, in response, has implemented measures to increase commercial feed production to meet growing demand.
In addition to health-focused interventions, the government has introduced a livestock insurance policy. This policy aims to protect farmers from significant losses during periods of drought or other adverse conditions, which disproportionately affect arid and semi-arid regions where the majority of Kenya’s livestock population resides. Currently, Kenya faces an annual feed deficit of 33 million metric tonnes, with post-harvest losses further exacerbating the situation by reducing the available feed by 40 percent. Addressing this feed shortage is essential to meeting Kenya’s meat demand, which has an annual shortfall of approximately 250,000 metric tonnes.
Table 1: Livestock Population in Kenya (2023)
| Livestock Type | Population (Millions) |
|---|---|
| Cattle | 18.8 |
| Goats | 26.7 |
| Sheep | 18.9 |
| Camels | 3.2 |
| Poultry | 44.6 |
| Donkeys | 1.9 |
| Pigs | 0.5 |
The immunization program also aims to foster inclusivity, actively involving women and youth in the livestock sector. This inclusion is part of a four-year project coordinated by the African Union’s Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), which covers several African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. According to project coordinator Prof. Ahmed El Beltagy, the initiative will promote the commercialization of feed production, support improved breeding practices, and advocate for policy changes that will integrate local markets.
Local farmers have expressed optimism regarding the program’s potential benefits. Fatma Osman, a farmer, noted that including women in the livestock sector is a long-awaited development that could significantly enhance their economic contributions. Mohamed Abdi, a pastoralist from Mandera County, observed that pastoralist communities are also benefiting from access to neighboring markets in Ethiopia and Somalia. However, he warned that insecurity in these border regions, particularly threats from Al Shabaab militants, remains a serious barrier. Abdi appealed to the government for protection and support, emphasizing the essential role livestock plays in the livelihoods of pastoralist communities.
Kenya’s livestock sector, valued at an estimated $3.4 billion, represents a substantial 4.4 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the sector employs roughly half of Kenya’s agricultural workforce, with around 60 percent of Kenya’s livestock concentrated in arid and semi-arid lands, providing a livelihood for thousands of families in these regions.