Gov’t to establish national animal feed reserves to cushion livestock sector from drought

The government will establish national animal feed reserves to protect livestock and pastoralist livelihoods from recurring droughts that have previously wiped out more than 2.5 million animals and caused losses exceeding Ksh50 billion.

Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe announced the initiative in Embu County, saying drought has become a recurring reality that requires permanent preparedness measures rather than reactive interventions.

The feed reserves will comprise hay, silage and other drought-tolerant fodder, which will be stocked during periods of surplus and released early during dry spells. Deployment will be guided by early warning systems to prevent large-scale livestock deaths and distress sales.

Under the new framework, counties will take the lead in feed planning and distribution, with support from the national government. Cooperatives will serve as last-mile delivery agents to ensure feed reaches livestock owners in time, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Kagwe said the government will also tighten controls on livestock movement to curb the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease and other transboundary animal diseases. Measures will include intensified vaccination campaigns and strengthened biosecurity at livestock checkpoints.

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He further urged dairy farmers to focus on improving productivity through better feeding and management practices rather than expanding herd sizes.

Embu County currently produces about 101.3 million litres of milk annually, but productivity remains low at an average of eight litres per cow per day.

“With improved feeding regimes and stronger cooperative coordination, milk output could more than triple,” Kagwe said.

He added that the government has approved additional funding for the installation of more milk coolers in Embu to reduce post-harvest losses and support quality-based payment systems for farmers.

Kagwe said the broader strategy anchored on feed reserves, disease control, cooperative-led subsidies and expanded cold-chain infrastructure aims to end reactive drought responses, safeguard pastoralist incomes and strengthen national food security.

By Obegi Malack

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