Kenyan government supplies Meru Dairy Cooperative Union with 1,000 doses of semen

KENYA – The Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC) has delivered an initial batch of 1,000 subsidised sexed semen doses to Meru Dairy Cooperative Union in a bid to increase milk production.

The initiative is part of broader agricultural support programs that focus on improving livestock breeds and enhancing food security across the region.

By selecting proven genetics, the program intends to reduce calving intervals, raise milk yields, and ultimately increase incomes for farmers.

“This is a game changer for our farmers and the entire dairy value chain in Meru county as it will revolutionise livestock breeding and support dairy farmers,” Meru county Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia said.

The governor pointed out that KAGRC aims to distribute 100,000 doses of sexed semen annually and continues to drive advancements in animal genetics to enhance milk yield and overall productivity.

He emphasised the need to involve youth in dairy farming to ensure long-term sustainability, create employment opportunities, and increase farmers’ earnings. Also, he underscored the role played by livestock farming in driving rural economies and supporting the national government.

Additionally, the county has also received 15,000 doses of livestock vaccines, with the governor announcing that vaccination efforts have begun.

It has also received 29 milk coolers to local dairy cooperatives, further strengthening the collective efforts of stakeholders to boost the sector and safeguard livelihoods.

“As the Meru county government, we remain committed to partnering with the national government to foster knowledge sharing, drive agricultural transformation, and deliver lasting development. Agriculture is our heritage and economic backbone. It creates opportunities across the value chain, from farm to factory, and we are steadfast in supporting our farmers and securing Meru’s future,” he said.

The news comes after President William Ruto announced a reduction in the cost of sexed semen from the current KES 4,000 to KES 1,000 to boost dairy farming.

He urged farmers to embrace the use of sexed semen to improve their production. This will allow farmers to choose the sex of the offspring, typically favoring heifers in dairy herds to boost milk production and herd replacement.

Speaking during the 10th Meru Dairy Cooperative Union Annual Dairy Farmers’ Field Day at Gitoro ASK showground, President Ruto said the government was committed to subsidising the cost of production to improve the dairy sector.

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