Kirinyaga County farmers have welcomed the launch of a state-of-the-art Goat Artificial Insemination (AI) Center by President William Ruto, marking a transformative milestone in the region’s agricultural sector. The facility, located at the Animal Health & Industrial Training Institute (AHITI) in Ndomba, is the first of its kind in East and Central Africa and is expected to revolutionize goat farming in Kenya.
During the launch, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru expressed gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing its potential to enhance breeding practices, boost food security, and strengthen the local economy. She described the center as a game-changer, highlighting its role in improving the genetic quality of goats and increasing productivity in the county.
“We are honored to host the Goat AI Center at Ndomba, a treasure for Kirinyaga and a significant step forward in our country’s livestock industry. This facility will improve goat production and enhance food security,” Governor Waiguru stated.
The Governor underscored the importance of goat farming to the county’s agricultural ecosystem, which thrives on both meat and milk production. She noted that goat products have an expanding market in hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and households seeking nutritious and healthy alternatives.
To ensure farmers benefit from the AI services, the Kirinyaga County government has trained inseminators to assist in timely and efficient breeding. Additionally, AI services have been made more accessible through subsidies, significantly lowering the costs compared to private sector rates. This move is expected to encourage more farmers to adopt modern breeding techniques and improve livestock productivity.
The AI Center is part of broader efforts by both the County and National Government to uplift the agricultural sector in Kirinyaga. Other key development projects in the region include the construction of 11 Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets, the establishment of an Export Processing Zone (EPZ), the construction of dykes at the Industrial Park, and the creation of the Sagana Trauma Center.
Governor Waiguru lauded the collaboration between the County and National Government, thanking President Ruto for supporting various projects that drive economic growth and improve livelihoods in the region. Farmers in Kirinyaga remain optimistic that the new AI Center will open up new opportunities and strengthen their agricultural ventures for a more prosperous future.
