Kenya’s dairy sector has received a significant shot in the arm after the government reached a landmark agreement with a UK-based animal genetics firm to slash the cost of sexed semen from Ksh2,900 to just Ksh1,000.
The price cut, announced by Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, is expected to ease the burden on dairy farmers and boost milk production across the country. It follows successful negotiations between Genus ABS, a global leader in animal genetics, and the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC).
“Good news for our dairy farmers! Sexed semen cost has been slashed from Ksh2,900 to 1,000, thanks to President Ruto’s directive,” PS Mueke stated, highlighting the President’s push to make livestock farming more productive and profitable.
The move is part of a broader effort to modernise Kenya’s dairy industry and improve food security. By giving farmers affordable access to sexed semen which increases the likelihood of female calves Kenya is setting the stage for a higher number of heifers, better milk yields, and stronger incomes.
“This is a huge boost to our dairy sector more heifers, more milk, more income,” PS Mueke affirmed.
The deal also opens doors for Kenyan farmers to benefit from high-quality livestock genetics previously accessible only to developed markets.
The reduced cost is expected to trigger a surge in the adoption of sexed semen across farming communities, addressing long-standing challenges in dairy productivity.
In a related move to strengthen the sector, the government recently announced plans to lease public land to large-scale farmers interested in growing dairy feed. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed that the land will be made available for the production of sunflower and fodder key components of sustainable dairy farming.
These combined efforts reflect a focused strategy by the Ruto administration to increase agricultural output, reduce dependency on dairy imports, and empower local farmers.
