Makueni County implements AI program to boost dairy sector

KENYA – Makueni County has continued to strengthen its dairy sector by implementing the Artificial Insemination (AI) Programme, aimed at improving dairy herd genetics, increasing milk production, boosting household incomes, and enhancing food and nutrition security.

The workshop that involved County Veterenary Officers, Dairy Cooperative leaders and Service providers focused on semen quality assurance, supply chain management, breed improvement strategies and data recording and reporting systems.

Speaking during the AI Stakeholders Engagement Workshop, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture Damaris Kavoi said the forum was convened to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and improve the efficiency of AI service delivery across the county.

During the forum, organized dairy groups received grants from the County Government to strengthen their dairy enterprises, enhance productivity, and improve the livelihoods of farming households.

Additionally, participants also reviewed programme performance, shared experiences and lessons learnt, discussed animal health interventions, and evaluated the implementation of the e-Voucher Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination programme.

The move comes after the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) invested USD 61,822 (KES 7,975,000) in six dairy farmers’ cooperative societies in Makueni.

This program is under the Drought Mitigation Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) to strengthen livestock farmers’ resilience during the ongoing dry spell.

The grants are intended to improve farmers’ access to quality livestock feeds and veterinary inputs following the failed October–November–December rains in 2025.

Through the intervention, cooperatives will procure and resell essential inputs such as hay bales, mineral licks, dairy and range cubes, cotton hulls and dewormers to sustain milk production and protect farmer incomes.

Speaking during a cheque issuance to Kibwezi Dairy Farmers Cooperative on Wednesday, Agriculture CECM Elizabeth Muli said the initiative will help stabilize dairy productivity and ensure livestock remain well nourished as farmers await the next rainy season.

She urged the cooperatives to adhere strictly to grant guidelines and ensure prudent use of the funds.

Other beneficiary cooperatives include Kitise Farmers Cooperative, Makiou Farmers Dairy Cooperative, Twakima Farmers Cooperative, Kibwezi East Farmers Cooperative and Kalawa Dairy Farmers Cooperative.

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