The Livestock Breed Improvement Programme aimed at boosting milk and meat production and strengthening resilience among pastoralist communities through insemination has been launched in Kajiado county.
The programme is being implemented by the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC) in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and the county government.
Speaking during the launch, Kajiado Deputy Governor Martin Moshisho said the initiative seeks to genetically upgrade livestock breeds to increase productivity and improve livelihoods among pastoralist communities.
“We have officially launched an insemination programme aimed at genetically improving our animal breeds for better yields in milk and meat production, as well as producing offspring that are adaptive and resilient to harsh weather conditions with improved growth rates,” Moshisho said.
He noted that the programme is aligned with the county administration’s 'modulated pastoralism' agenda, one of its key development pillars focused on transforming the livestock sector.
Under the programme, 1,000 dual-purpose Sahiwal cattle will be inseminated to improve breed quality and boost dairy and beef production across the county.
KAGRC chair Nuh Nassir said the intervention will enhance productivity per animal while supporting women-led dairy cooperatives and strengthening household incomes.
“This programme will enable farmers in ASAL regions to access superior genetics that can withstand climatic shocks while improving productivity per animal. It is a science-driven intervention designed to boost incomes and strengthen food security,” he said.
Nassir added that artificial insemination services offer a cost-effective alternative to purchasing pedigree bulls, making quality breeding services more accessible to smallholder farmers.
The programme targets arid and semi-arid land areas, where recurring drought and climate variability have negatively impacted livestock production. The introduction of resilient and fast-growing breeds is expected to cushion communities against climate-related shocks while promoting sustainable livestock development.
The launch was held at Lenkishon in Matapato North ward and was attended by KRCS Secretary General Ahmed Idris, KAGRC Managing Director Benadette Misoi and County Agriculture and Livestock executive Francis Sakuda, among other county officials.
During the event, cattle were inseminated and farmers urged to actively participate in the programme by adopting improved animal husbandry practices to maximise productivity and ensure the success of the breed improvement initiative.
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