Kirinyaga farmers upbeat as Ruto launches Goat AI Center in the county

Kirinyaga County farmers are set benefit from a Goat Artificial Insemination (A.I) Center launched by President William Ruto on Wednesday.

The Center, which is first of its kind in East and Central Africa is a groundbreaking milestone in the county and country’s agricultural sector, especially in livestock farming.

During the event, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru expressed gratitude for the transformative initiative, highlighting the positive impact it would have on local farming communities and the wider economy. “We are particularly honored to host the Goat AI Center at Ndomba, which is not only a great treasure for our county but also a key development milestone for our country. This center is a significant step forward in improving goat production and food security in Kirinyaga County,” she said.

With Kirinyaga’s goat population estimated at 24,400, Waiguru said that the center’s role in improving breeding practices is critical to advancing food security and economic stability for local farmers. She further noted the importance of goat farming to the county’s agricultural ecosystem, which benefits from both meat and milk production, offering a sustainable source of income and nutrition for many families.

Waiguru added that through Wezesha Kirinyaga program, which aims to empower local farmers, over 600 farmers have been supported with pregnant goats and community bucks. Additionally, the farmers have been provided with AI services which include semen and liquid nitrogen, valued at Ksh. 354,000. These services are availed through four constituency-based Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) namely Ndia, Mlima, Uriithi, and Mwea.

She noted that the Goat AI Center is part of a broader effort to transform the agricultural sector in Kirinyaga highlighting that the county has trained AI inseminators who assist farmers with timely and efficient services. She also emphasized that the county government has been actively sensitizing farmers on the importance of AI in livestock production and making AI services more accessible through subsidies that significantly reduce the cost compared to private sector rates.

The governor underscored the vast potential of goat products, with demand growing in markets such as hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and local consumers seeking nutritious and healthy products.

“With the right genetic improvements and more efficient farming practices, we can unlock the full potential of goat farming and provide a steady supply of quality products to meet these expanding markets,” she stated.

As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance development in the county,  the Governor underscored the importance of collaboration between the county and national government, thanking the president for supporting the implementation of various projects in the county including the construction of 11 ESP markets at various stages of progress, the ongoing establishment of an Export Processing Zone (EPZ), construction of dykes at the Industrial Park, and the creation of the Sagana Trauma Center among others.

She expressed her unwavering commitment to advancing the county’s development agenda and further strengthening partnerships with the national government for the benefit of Kirinyaga people.