Kiambu Governor Waititu launched free Artificial Insemination (AI )services for dairy cattle in Kiambu County.
Twenty motorbikes were also provided to enhance service provision by their animal health professionals who will provide the AI services throughout the 12 Sub Counties.
In Kiambu, Livestock farming provides livelihood to 80% of small scale farmers therefore contributing highly to the County’s GDP and social economic development.
Kiambu County has a total of over 250, 000 dairy cattle mainly under zero grazing with nearly 70% of the families keeping an average of 2-3 cows.
Over 3.21 million litres of milk were produced in Kiambu County in 2018, generating an income of over Ksh 9 billion.
This project comes in handy since dairy farmers face challenges such as service inaccessibility as providers are mostly private entities offering the services at a costly fee.
Waititu stated that the free AI flagship project is a noble initiative that will greatly improve the quality and quantity of dairy production in the County and improve the economy.
This flagship project is also in line with the national development pillar of ensuring food security.
The Department ofAgriculture, Livestock and Irrigation also assured farmers that they will remain committed to its vision of a Healthy, Food Secure and prosperous County through promotion of sustainable agriculture.