Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke has reaffirmed his commitment to economic empowerment and food security through two ambitious projects launched in Kitui County. In a joint meeting with Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, PS Mueke led the charge in unveiling plans for a 5,000-acre commercial feedlot and a 100-acre Livestock Training Institute in Kanyonyoo.
The projects, approved by the Kitui County Executive on April 9, 2025, and followed by stakeholder sensitization and site visits on May 2, are expected to solidify Kitui’s position as a regional livestock development hub.
“This is more than infrastructure; it is about transforming livelihoods, building resilience in arid and semi-arid lands, and ensuring our farmers move from subsistence to profitability,” said PS Mueke.
The feedlot will be pivotal in supporting prime beef production, offering a modern model for fattening livestock for the market. Meanwhile, the Kitui Livestock Training Institute will offer cutting-edge training in animal health, livestock production, range management, and value addition—critical skills needed to modernize Kenya’s livestock economy.
Under PS Mueke’s stewardship, the Ministry of Livestock Development is rolling out similar feedlot and training initiatives in other counties including Baringo, Meru, Wajir, Migori, and Nandi Hills. The strategy aims to increase the livestock sector’s GDP contribution from the current 12% to 20%, signaling a new era of economic growth driven by innovation in agriculture.
Notably, the Kitui project will serve a vast catchment area, including Makueni, Machakos, Garissa, Kwale, Wajir, Mombasa, Taita Taveta, and Lamu counties—amplifying its national impact.
“Kitui is leading by example, and we are proud to see such proactive collaboration with the county government. These projects will not only generate jobs but also elevate Kenya’s competitiveness in the regional and global beef markets,” added Mueke.
With his background in both private and public sector innovation, PS Mueke continues to be a trailblazer in aligning national development goals with grassroots transformation—proving that with the right leadership, Kenya’s livestock sector can become a powerhouse of prosperity.
