The Kenyan government has reached an agreement with the United Kingdom that will lower the price of sexed semen to Ksh1,000, which will significantly benefit Kenyan dairy farmers.
Dairy farmers benefited greatly from the agreement, which saw the price drop from the previous Ksh2,900, as announced by Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary, State Department of Livestock Development.
The price reduction follows fruitful discussions between Genus ABS, a leading animal genetics company with headquarters in the United Kingdom, and the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC). The discussions were intended to increase Kenyan farmers' access to advanced breeding technology.
''Good news for our dairy farmers! Sexed semen cost has been slashed from Ksh 2,900 to 1,000, thanks to President Ruto’s directive,'' the PS announced.
The deal seeks to increase the country's milk productivity as sexed semen technology selectively increases the likelihood of producing female calves (heifers), which are essential for consistent milk yields.
By enabling farmers to breed more heifers, this initiative promises better milk productivity and stronger economic returns.
''This is a huge boost to our dairy sector—more heifers, more milk, more income,'' the PS assured as he hyped up the deal to the farmers.
The deal aligns with President Ruto's agricultural commitment to improving food security in the country while modernising farming methods and reducing reliance on imported dairy products.
The partnership with Genus ABS gives Kenya direct access to world-class genetics previously reserved for wealthier nations.
With the reduction in price, farmers are expected to massively adopt sexed semen across the country, boosting milk yields, which has been a major challenge for livestock farmers.
The deal comes barely a week after the government announced that it will lease land to large-scale farmers who are willing to engage in extensive dairy feed production.
In a statement on Thursday, July 24, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe confirmed that the government will lease land to farmers willing to grow fodder and sunflowers, which are among the critical ingredients for sustainable dairy farming.
