KIRINYAGA, Kenya – Kirinyaga farmers are set to boost their goat farming productivity following the launch of a Goat Artificial Insemination (AI) Center by President William Ruto at Ndomba, Kirinyaga County.
The facility, based at the Animal Health & Industrial Training Institute (AHITI), is the first of its kind in East and Central Africa and is expected to revolutionize breeding practices, enhance food security, and increase farmers’ incomes.
Speaking during the launch, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru hailed the AI Center as a game-changer for farmers, emphasizing its potential to improve goat production and enhance economic stability.
“This Center is a significant step forward in improving goat production and food security in Kirinyaga County. With the right genetic improvements and more efficient farming practices, we can unlock the full potential of goat farming and meet the growing demand in local and export markets,” said Waiguru.
The Governor noted that the County Government has been actively training AI inseminators to assist farmers with efficient services, subsidizing AI services to make them affordable, and sensitizing farmers on the benefits of AI in livestock production
Waiguru highlighted the rising demand for goat products—both meat and milk—especially in hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and among health-conscious consumers.
The AI Center is part of a larger agricultural transformation agenda, aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring sustainable income for local farmers.
Governor Waiguru also acknowledged the National Government’s support in implementing key projects in Kirinyaga, including:
- Construction of 11 ESP markets
- Establishment of an Export Processing Zone (EPZ)
- Construction of dykes at the Industrial Park
- Creation of the Sagana Trauma Center
