- Kenya has vaccinated more than 20 million livestock to boost exports.
- ANITRAC will improve animal identification and traceability.
- Government says the system will help curb stock theft and meet export standards.
The Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Kenya’s livestock export sector through vaccination, animal identification and traceability. So far, more than 20 million cattle, sheep and goats have been vaccinated nationwide.
Principal Secretary (PS) for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke said the vaccination programme is already improving Kenya’s access to, and expansion in, international livestock markets. He spoke during an inspection tour of the Isiolo International Abattoir, which President William Ruto is set to officially launch.
During the tour, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe launched the Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANITRAC) drive in Isiolo County. He described traceability as essential for protecting livestock and meeting increasingly strict domestic and international market requirements.
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Kagwe also had a warning for cattle rustlers. He said the identification system would make it difficult for stolen animals to enter legitimate markets, urging rustlers to “find another business” as tags would let authorities and buyers trace animals from origin and movement to health status.
Furthermore, the CS called on security agencies to act against suspected stock thieves, including those accused of deliberately mutilating animals’ ears to remove ANITRAC tags and conceal their identity.
Kagwe said ANITRAC would strengthen food safety while giving Kenyan livestock products greater credibility in premium markets.
By Bernard Magada
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