The livestock sector is a significant contributor to Kenya's GDP and employs more than 50 per cent of the agricultural labour force.
Despite the potential of the livestock sector to contribute to economic growth, job creation, and food security, it remains largely untapped.
Halima Nenkare, the Director of Livestock Production in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development said collaboration among government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organisations is crucial to build resilience in the livestock sector.
In efforts to create a centralized platform for sector players, Kenya has established a Multi-stakeholder Platform (MSP) to facilitate collaboration and address the obstacles in livestock feed production.
The MSP was officially launched by Nenkare, during the AU-IBAR Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems workshop in Naivasha on March 26.
Nenkare also announced the government's plan to establish a Center of Excellence in Feed Technology Training.
To boost feed production, the government is drafting a Livestock Bill, regulation of feeds, and implementation of the Feed Industry Development Strategy.
"The government intends to establish a modern Feed Resource Center equipped with advanced laboratories to ensure the safety and integrity of animal feeds. Strict quality control measures will be implemented to protect the health and well-being of livestock,” Nenkare said.
“The government is committed to providing necessary inputs such as seeds, fertiliser, agrochemicals, and machinery to facilitate efficient feed production. Irrigation technology is expected to reduce dependence on rainfall while contractual agreements between millers and producers will guarantee a steady supply of inputs," she added.
To support the conservation and storage of forage, strategic feed storage facilities will be established at the ward level.
These facilities will function as feed business centres, ensuring year-round availability of feed for livestock farmers.
Given that feed costs account for a significant portion of livestock production expenses, it is crucial to address feed shortages and post-harvest losses.
Recognizing the importance of human capital in the feed industry's advancement, the government will invest in capacity-building programs for stakeholders in the feed value chain.
To facilitate informed decision-making and resource allocation, the government is committed to improving data availability and accessibility through quarterly National Feed Outlook Surveys.
These surveys will provide insights into feed demand, supply, and consumption patterns.
Traditionally, the focus in livestock financing has been on the downstream segments of the value chain, neglecting the importance of upstream actors like fodder growers.
However, recent events, such as the devastating drought in Kenya, have highlighted the consequences of this oversight.
The closure of 22 milk processors, resulting in bad loans for banks and a fodder shortage for farmers, clearly demonstrates the significant risk posed by the lack of balanced financing for the entire livestock industry.
John Maina from the State Department for Livestock Production said to achieve sustainable livestock transformation, there is a need a multifaceted approach that includes optimizing feed production, genetic adaptation, climate change mitigation, and technological integration.
Maina explained that the Internet of Things (IoT) allows for real-time monitoring and management of farming processes, empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions, optimize resource utilization, and mitigate risks through connected farming within IoT ecosystems.
“Policy interventions and public investments are crucial for facilitating this transition. Strategic initiatives that promote collaboration among stakeholders, including farmers, agribusinesses, and civil society organizations, are needed to foster innovation and address systemic challenges. Regional cooperation, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), holds promise in enhancing intra-African trade and strengthening food security,” he said.
Simon Kuria, Director of Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Arid & Range Lands Research Institute, Kiboko, said poor management of the grazing resources in the natural systems and limited adoption of improved pasture and fodder technologies has affected feed production.
Kuria said improving livestock production, productivity and products utilization is a key result area in the KALRO strategic plan for 2022 to 2027.
He explained that to realise this KALRO is developing, validating and promoting improved forage, feed and feeding systems and developing robust and sustainable forage seed systems.
Kuria said the agency has been working to improve feed availability, quality and livestock productivity, livelihoods and climate resilience of communities by developing suitable pasture and fodder technologies, information and management practices (TIMPs).
He announced that KALRO has been working closely with Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) to register, formerly release and commercialize improved varieties of feed seeds.
Kuria said four grass varieties namely CeCi TVT3 KBK, CeCi MGD1 KBK, ENMA KBK and CHROX KBK were recently registered by KEPHIS.