President William Ruto-led Cabinet has approved duty-free importation of raw materials for the processing of animal feeds.
The move comes as a relief to farmers who will now be able to access animal feeds at a cheaper price and increase their profits.
“The State intervention seeks to address the cost of production of animal feeds as part of the long-term strategy to enhance the competitiveness of Kenya’s dairy sector within the region,” the statement reads.
The price of animal feeds reached a record high in 2020 with most of the feeds going up beyond Sh3,000.
The crisis even forced some farmers to close their dairy, poultry and pig farms and turn to other businesses.
A 70kg bag of dairy meal had gone up from Sh1,800 in 2020 to Sh3,500 in 2022.
Chick marsh retailed at Sh4,300 from less than Sh2,500 while layers sold at Sh3,900.
The Star talked to dairy, poultry and pig farmers across the country who said they have ventured into other businesses.
On Monday, Ruto said taxes on animal feeds would be scraped to allow farmers access the feeds at a lower price.
"We are slashing out the taxes on the animal feeds so that farmers can get the feeds at an affordable price," Ruto said.
Last Year, he said dairy farmers struggle with the high cost of feed and challenges of storage, preservation of milk, and access to markets.
"In our plan, we have identified dairy and livestock economy as sub-sectors with the quickest economic turnaround time and they will become key drivers in improving food security, creating jobs, and boosting exports," he said.
He spoke during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens.
