KAKAMEGA COUNTY CONVENES AI SERVICE PROVIDERS TO REVITALIZE DAIRY BREEDING THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

The County Government of Kakamega convened a high-level consultative meeting, bringing together Artificial Insemination (AI) service providers and County Veterinary Officers to strengthen and revitalize dairy cattle breeding through improved AI service delivery. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with FIPS–Africa, a non-governmental organization committed to advancing sustainable dairy breeding systems and enhancing smallholder farmer productivity.

The meeting was officiated by the CECM for Agriculture Mr. Mophat Mandela as central to the discussions was the establishment of a strengthened institutional collaboration framework with clearly defined roles to ensure effective implementation of the program. Under this arrangement, KDDC will host the project and provide essential cold chain storage infrastructure to guarantee the proper handling and preservation of semen and other genetic materials. This will safeguard quality, maintain viability of breeding inputs, and improve reliability of AI services across the county.

The County Government, through the Directorate of Veterinary Services, will offer policy direction, regulatory oversight, technical supervision, and quality assurance to ensure professional standards are upheld and farmers’ interests are protected. FIPS–Africa will subsidize the cost of AI services, making high-quality breeding solutions more affordable and accessible to dairy farmers.

During the meeting, AI service providers were taken through the detailed provisions of the collaboration agreement, including operational guidelines, service standards, reporting requirements, and accountability measures. They were requested to formally endorse the partnership by signing the agreement and committing to adhere to the established terms and conditions. This step is aimed at promoting professionalism, transparency, and uniform service delivery under the program.

The primary objective of the initiative is to improve the genetic quality of the future dairy herd in Kakamega County. By strengthening AI service delivery systems, ensuring proper semen storage, and reducing costs through subsidies, the program seeks to increase milk productivity, enhance herd quality and resilience, boost farmer incomes, and promote sustainable dairy commercialization.

Also present Chief Officers Mr. Emmanuel Kariuki (agriculture), Mr. Dan Sumba (cooperatives) among other senior officials