Government Turns to Genetically Modified Raw Materials to Boost Animal Feeds

In a bid to address Kenya’s livestock sector’s feed deficit and reduce costs for farmers, the government is looking into biotechnologies for producing animal feeds. Currently, the country faces a shortfall of 15 million metric tonnes in meeting its 55 million metric tonnes livestock feed demand. Only 40% of this demand is currently being met.

Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke emphasized the importance of adopting local technologies in feed production. Genetically modified cotton seeds, for instance, now contribute 30% to the total production of animal feeds, which stands at 1.2 million metric tonnes. This move has reduced Kenya’s reliance on imported cotton seed cake, previously sourced from countries like Uganda and Zambia.

Joseph Karuri, Chairman of the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA), highlighted the government’s support for farmers growing genetically modified cotton and the subsequent local production of cotton seed meal. This initiative aims to stabilize feed prices and enhance competitiveness in meat, milk, and egg production.

Challenges remain, including raw material deficits, limited feed protein sources, and inefficiencies in transport, storage, and production. Addressing these issues is crucial to optimizing feed quality and reducing the estimated 46.3% post-harvest feed losses.

The government’s focus on enhancing feed production efficiency underscores its commitment to bolstering the livestock sector’s competitiveness both locally and globally.