Nakuru County’s Subsidized AI Program Set to Transform Dairy and Beef Farming

Over 200,000 dairy farmers are poised to benefit from a new government-funded program offering subsidized Artificial Insemination (AI) services. This initiative, launched by the County Government, aims to enhance both milk and beef production through improved livestock breeding.

According to Mr. Leonard Bor, Nakuru’s County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, the program is designed to elevate the quality of dairy and beef breeds. Currently, the county produces an impressive 318 million liters of milk annually, translating to a turnover of approximately Sh14 billion. However, the average milk yield per cow stands at about seven liters per day, a figure the new AI program aims to significantly increase.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve local livestock breeds. By providing subsidized access to pedigree semen, the program seeks to raise daily milk production to around 12 liters per cow. This increase could potentially double the income farmers earn from milk sales, benefiting both their livelihoods and the county’s dairy industry.

Mr. Bor emphasized the financial aspect of the initiative, noting that the cost of AI services has been reduced from Sh2,000 to Sh800. This price cut is expected to make pedigree semen more accessible to smallholder farmers, who have traditionally struggled with high costs. The first phase of the program will benefit 23 cooperative societies across various sub-counties, including Naivasha, Gilgil, Subukia, Bahati, Nakuru West, Rongai, Njoro, Molo, Kuresoi North, and Kuresoi South.

The program is a collaborative effort involving public-private partnerships, with the county government working closely with cooperative societies to ensure successful implementation. Mr. Bor acknowledged past challenges faced by farmers due to substandard breeds but expressed confidence that the new AI program would address these issues by providing farmers with better tools and resources.

In addition to the subsidized semen, the initiative includes training for the Department’s sub-county officers, who will receive semen, nitrogen tanks, and technical expertise necessary for delivering AI services. This capacity-building effort is crucial for ensuring that farmers are well-informed about new technologies and best practices.

Dr. Michael Cheruiyot, the Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services, hailed the program as a transformative development for Nakuru’s dairy and beef industries. He emphasized that the initiative would not only improve livestock breeds but also enhance overall production efficiency. The Chief Officer highlighted the importance of continuous training for cooperatives to ensure the program’s success.

Farmers are encouraged to join the Nakuru County Cooperative Dairy Union, which unites 15 major cooperatives. This union is instrumental in promoting value addition and marketing to secure better prices for dairy and beef products.

The ultimate goal of this ambitious program is to uplift the living standards of Nakuru’s dairy and beef farmers by significantly boosting milk and meat production. With the implementation of subsidized AI services, improved breed quality, and enhanced training, the county is set to experience a remarkable transformation in its agricultural sector.

The 23 cooperative societies slated to benefit from the program include Biashara Wakulima, Inua Hustler, SuKa, Wecha, Acacia, Tulwobmoi-Ol Rongai, Kamarus, Elburgon Progressive, Lare Njoro, Njoro, Kamasis, Mukasu, Chemare, Olenguruone, Kuresoi, Cheseger, Sakaitim, Starlight, Soitaran, Tegati, Taita, Nakuru West, and Keringet Foods. These cooperatives will play a crucial role in the dissemination of AI services and the eventual success of the program.

As Nakuru County embarks on this transformative journey, the subsidized AI program stands as a beacon of hope for farmers seeking to enhance their productivity and profitability.