President William Ruto has made the decision to import 15 Simmental bulls and 40 heifers from Zimbabwe days after his state visit.
Zimbabwean media reported that Ruto was impressed by the pedigree of the cattle during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) where he was the chief guest.
It was revealed that Ruto decided to import the bulls and heifers after touring various stands at the Bulawayo Agricultural Society Show, which ran concurrently with ZITF.
One of the lucky farmers selling the cattle to Ruto has been identified as Obert Chinhamo.
Chinhamo was among the few farmers who interacted directly with Ruto after he visited his stand accompanied by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
The importation of cattle to Kenya is seen as a precursor to expanded trade between Kenya and Zimbabwe.
"I have been contacted by a government official from Kenya who stated that the process to export our Simmental breed to that country has been initiated,” Chinhamo told the press.
He added that he had already started selecting the best from his herd to export to Kenya.
Conditions for selection are that the bulls should be ready to mate with the heifers being exported.
Pregnant cows will not be part of the deal since they can develop complications keeping in mind they will be transported using a truck from Zimbabwe to Kenya.
The farmers are working as a team to ensure that President William Ruto receives the best breed possible.
Ruto visited Zimbabwe on Friday, April 26, for a two-day state visit with Mnangagwa stating that Zimbabwe has a friend in Kenya.
