The government has set aside Ksh.3 billion to help beef cattle farmers in the country to prepare livestock for the export market.
The money will be used to identify, test and prepare animals for export, in live and packed meat form to markets outside Kenya.
The meat sector currently contributes 21 percent of the countries Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 45 percent of the agricultural GDP, a number boosted by beef production in ranches across the country.
Speaking in Nyandarua County during the Nyahururu Animal Health Industrial Training Institute graduation ceremony, Lawrence Omuka, Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) for Livestock said the money will be used to construct sheds, laboratories for testing and provide feed in the collecting centers for animals awaiting export.
Kenya’s livestock exports contributes to the GDP range of 5.6 percent to 12.5percent while the estimates for the contribution to agricultural GDP 30 to 47 percent. This has contributed greatly to the development of the livestock sector and the regulation of livestock inputs and livestock products in the country.
Export program is important for the purpose of ensuring health and welfare of eligible live animals and animal reproductive materials in the course of the export activities.
Every farmer will be required to have a medical history of their animals to ensure that they are free of antibiotics and in safe condition for human consumption.
A total of 97 students who graduated with holders in animal health and production from the institution will help farmers boost their beef and milk production in the country.
