Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, officially inaugurated the National Livestock Development and Promotion Service (NLDPS) Board on Tuesday. The event marked a crucial milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance livestock productivity, value addition, and economic transformation within the sector.
During the inauguration, CS Kagwe congratulated the newly appointed Board Members, highlighting their pivotal role in advocating for stakeholder interests and implementing critical reforms. He underscored the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the Board in aligning with the Mwongozo Corporate Governance Code while advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with a focus on strengthening the livestock value chain.
Kenya’s livestock sector is a vital economic pillar, particularly in arid and semi-arid (ASAL) regions, where it accounts for 90 per cent of employment and over 95 per cent of household incomes. Recognizing this, CS Kagwe challenged the Board to go beyond expectations by spearheading investments in value addition to maximize the industry’s potential.
Among the key initiatives highlighted by the CS was the Leather Industry Park in Kenanie, a strategic project aimed at enhancing the leather value chain through industrial processing and export-oriented production. Additionally, he emphasized the significance of the National Livestock Vaccination Campaign, which seeks to improve animal health, increase productivity, and safeguard livelihoods dependent on livestock farming.
The inauguration of the NLDPS Board comes at a time when the government is prioritizing agricultural and livestock reforms to boost food security and drive economic development. By investing in modern livestock management practices, disease control, and processing infrastructure, the Ministry aims to create a sustainable and profitable sector that benefits both small-scale and commercial farmers.
CS Kagwe urged the Board to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders, including county governments, private sector players, and development partners, to foster innovation and drive sectoral growth. As Kenya moves forward in its economic transformation agenda, the livestock sector remains a critical area of focus, with value addition playing a central role in unlocking its full potential.
