The government of Kenya has commissioned Sh 1billion semen plant in Trans Nzoia County. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya officiated the ceremony and said the plant will be a major boost to dairy farming in North Rift and Western regions.
The Agricultural Development Corporation’s Livestock Genetic Centre located in Endebess Sub-County can produce a million doses yearly and will feature a refrigerated vehicle provided by the govt to help ADC supply semen across the country. CS Munya said the government will provide additional funds for the expansion and equipping the facility to meet the demand for semen.
Demand for semen
The government will also provide funds to enable ADC acquire 30 additional bulls from South Africa to scale up semen production. With bulls from renowned breeders in South Africa, Munya said the facility is set to bring down the cost of semen in the country. ADC Managing Director Mohammed Bulle said the recent importation of 19 additional super breed bulls will enhance semen production from 30,000 doses per month to 50,000 doses per month.
“I’m happy that the investment will make the cost of semen affordable to farmers. We encourage farmers to take advantage of the facility to secure breeds of high yielding livestock. The Government will inject in more funds to equip and expand the centre to meet the high demand for semen. We will also support ADC acquire a feed milling plant,” Munya said.
New KCC Managing Director Nixon Sigey said the completion of the modernisation programme of Kitale factory will boost milk intake. Sigey asked farmers to transform their breeds to benefit from good milk prices.
