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Kenya and Botswana collaborate on livestock development

Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke hosts the President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi E.K . Masisi at the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Center.

By Issa Hussein | Saturday, March 2, 2024

KAGRC stated the visit aims to explore ways in which Botswana and Kenya can enhance cooperation in the agriculture sector, particularly in animal husbandry, dairy, and beef production.

Kenya and Botswana will collaborate on livestock development says Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke.

The Principal Secretary who hosted the President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi E.K. Masisi at the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Center(KAGRC), said the collaboration will focus on breed improvement, animal husbandry services, feed and fodder, and disease management.

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He said the two countries will gain a lot from the collaboration in livestock production.

Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke hosts the President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi E.K . Masisi at the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Center.

"The visit by the President to KAGRC was to observe our local breeds and tour the laboratories for demonstrations on semen production, preservation, and processing," said Mueke.

KAGRC, also stated through its social media platform that the visit aims to explore ways in which Botswana and Kenya can enhance cooperation in the agriculture sector, particularly in animal husbandry, dairy, and beef production.

A day earlier President William Ruto who received President Mokgwetsi Masisi at State House announced that the two nations would work together in revitalising the livestock value chain in both Kenya and Botswana.

"Our two nations have many things to learn from each other, including the provision of premier animal husbandry services, production of vaccines and feed, and prevention of disease outbreak," said Ruto.

One of the animals at the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Center.

According to a World Bank report, due to the dry climate and population density, over 70 per cent of Botswana's population lives in rural areas and earns a living from Livestock production.

The cattle industry is the principal sector with a major contribution to beef export to the European Economic Community market, according to the report.