President Ruto on the 61st Madaraka Day ordered the cost of sexed semen to be reduced from Ksh8,000 to Ksh3,000, alongside other promises to Kenyan farmers.
Addressing Kenyans at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi Constituency, Bungoma County, the Head of State shed light on the strategies the government is hoping to implement to improve livestock farming.
He stated, “I have directed that the cost of sexed semen be reduced from Ksh8,000 to under Ksh3,000.”
With the reduced cost of sexed semen, a boost in dairy farming productivity is projected, leading to an upsurge in milk production after the distribution of 900,000 doses of bull semen to dairy farmers by the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre.
According to the president, this move will also promote domestic and international trade.
The application of sexed semen emerged in the 1980s with the development of artificial insemination (AI) and semen-freezing techniques.
It wasn't until the 1990s that sexed semen became a significant resource for dairy farmers.
During the celebrations, the Head of State also highlighted advancements thanks to the establishment of a Goat Artificial Insemination Station in Kirinyaga County.
He also announced that 48,000 doses of goat semen have been produced so far, with 80 inseminators trained.
According to the National Library of Medicine, farmers using sexed semen can expect increased efficiency in both dairy and beef production, enhanced farm profitability, and improved environmental sustainability in cattle agriculture.
In Kenya, sexed semen is available from distributors such as Kenya Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC), Worldwide Sires Company, and Coopers.
To further support Kenyan farmers, Ruto revealed that the government had implemented measures to combat livestock diseases and pests through a national vaccination program.
He added, "Under this program, more than Ksh22 million cattle will be vaccinated against foot and mouth disease, while 50 million goats will undergo vaccination through a collaborative nationwide exercise.”
