By John Kariuki
The Kenyan government is taking bold steps to address the high cost of animal feed and improve access to quality and affordable raw materials for livestock farmers. In a strategic meeting led by Dr. Andrew Karanja, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, a team from the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers discussed sustainable solutions to revitalize the livestock sector.
Key topics of the discussion included making animal feed more affordable for farmers, promoting the local production of essential raw materials such as sunflower, soya, and canola, and ensuring fair practices, compliance, and quality assurance in feed production.
To achieve these goals, the government has launched the Land Commercialization Initiative, a program aimed at large-scale cultivation of critical raw materials for animal feeds. This initiative seeks to reduce Kenya’s reliance on imports, lower production costs, and enhance food security.
Dr. Karanja emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector players, companies, and farmers. “Our commitment is to boost local production, revitalize the livestock sector, and ensure all farmers have access to affordable, quality feeds,” he said during the meeting.
Mr. Gathogo, a representative of the Association of Feed Manufacturers, hailed the deliberations as progressive and timely. “These steps will significantly transform the livestock feed industry and empower farmers across the country,” he remarked.
As Kenya intensifies efforts to strengthen its agricultural sector, such partnerships and initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development, supporting farmers, and driving the country towards food security and economic growth.