ISIOLO, Kenya — The government has unveiled a Sh2.1 billion livestock protection plan aimed at shielding farmers and pastoralist communities from the anticipated effects of El Niño rains across 24 counties.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe launched the National Livestock Sector El Niño Preparedness and Anticipatory Action Plan in Isiolo, saying the government was shifting from responding to disasters after they occur to taking early action to prevent losses.
The plan targets livestock deaths, disease outbreaks, flooding and damage to critical livestock infrastructure, drawing lessons from the devastating effects of the 2023 El Niño and the 2024 long-rains floods.
“The 2023 El Niño and the 2024 long rains floods caused devastating losses to our livestock farmers, destroyed critical infrastructure and triggered disease outbreaks that set back the sector significantly,” Kagwe said.
“We therefore need to learn from our experiences, and this is the reason we are determined to ensure that our farmers and pastoralists are not caught unprepared,” he added.
Sh1.5 Billion Set Aside for Vaccines and Veterinary Supplies
The largest portion of the allocation, Sh1.5 billion, will be used to procure and pre-position vaccines, veterinary medicines, laboratory reagents and protective equipment.
The funds will also support the deployment of mobile veterinary clinics in counties considered vulnerable to the effects of heavy rains and flooding.
Another Sh250 million will be allocated to protect and strengthen critical livestock infrastructure, including livestock markets, cattle dips, slaughterhouses, milk-cooling facilities, veterinary laboratories and feed stores.
The government has allocated a further Sh100 million for early-warning systems, climate-risk mapping and emergency communication.
Another Sh100 million will support livestock evacuation, animal welfare and logistics operations during emergencies.
The remaining Sh50 million will go towards strategic feed and fodder reserves, rehabilitation of water points and emergency water-supply arrangements.
Government Warns of Rift Valley Fever Risk
Kagwe said the preparedness measures would also help prevent and respond to climate-sensitive livestock diseases, including Rift Valley Fever, whose spread can increase following prolonged flooding.
The CS urged pastoralists to move livestock away from low-lying and flood-prone areas as rains intensify.
He warned that failure to relocate animals early could result in the loss of entire herds.
“Livestock is the primary livelihood asset for millions of Kenyan households, particularly in our arid and semi-arid regions. Protecting that asset during an extreme weather event is a matter of food security, economic stability, and national resilience,” Kagwe said.
The government is targeting 24 counties under the preparedness plan, including Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Narok, Kajiado, Baringo, West Pokot, Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Meru and Embu.
The interventions are intended to ensure veterinary supplies and other critical resources are available before the full impact of extreme weather is felt.
Kagwe Launches Livestock Tracking System
During his visit to Isiolo, Kagwe also launched the Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANITRAC), a digital system intended to strengthen livestock identification and tracking.
The system is expected to help tackle livestock theft while improving traceability and strengthening access for Kenyan livestock and livestock products to local and international markets.
Kagwe warned cattle rustlers that improved identification and traceability would make it increasingly difficult for stolen animals to enter legitimate markets.
He told livestock thieves to “find another business”, signalling a tougher approach to livestock theft as the government rolls out the identification system.
