Kenya’s livestock sector is poised for a major transformation as the government pushes the Livestock Bill, aimed at giving the sector a robust policy and legislative foundation. Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke appeared before the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on Thursday, led by Senator Wafula Wakoli, to present the Bill and its anticipated benefits.
Mueke highlighted the Bill’s role in strengthening devolution by promoting clear collaboration between national and county governments. He urged lawmakers to support the legislation as it moves through Parliament, emphasizing its potential to enhance regulatory oversight, improve livestock management, and provide a cohesive framework for the sector’s growth.
“The Committee has agreed to review the Bill and assist in steering it into law. Our ongoing engagement will ensure it addresses both national and county-level priorities,” Mueke said.
The push for livestock transformation comes on the heels of a two-day Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) livestock summit in Mombasa, which wrapped up on Wednesday with governors and key stakeholders agreeing on several game-changing actions.
Central to these is a joint Kenya Livestock Blueprint, an ambitious target to achieve 80% national vaccination coverage by 2027, the rollout of a livestock traceability system, and large-scale investments aimed at shifting the sector from subsistence farming to a globally competitive powerhouse.
Once enacted, the Livestock Bill, combined with the summit’s initiatives, is expected to bring clarity, structure, and innovation to a sector that supports millions of Kenyans, driving economic growth while ensuring sustainable practices. Lawmakers are now tasked with scrutinizing the Bill to ensure it meets the aspirations of livestock farmers and county governments across the country.
