Kenyan government backs Likuyani animal feeds processing plant initiative

KENYA – National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, and President William Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet joined leaders and residents in Likuyani Ward for a fundraising drive to support the establishment of the Likuyani ATM Sacco Animal Feeds Processing Plant.

The fundraiser, hosted by Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe at Ivugwi Secondary School, brought together political leaders, local groups, and farmers backing the proposed livestock feed-processing project.

Speaking at the event, Mugabe said the initiative aimed to strengthen livestock production and support farmers through local value addition.

“We established this initiative to support our farmers through value addition, strengthening agricultural production and supporting sustainable wealth creation,” Mugabe said. 

“It also complements the broader food security agenda by empowering local farmers with innovative and accessible solutions in livestock production and feed processing.”

The proposed plant will be developed by the ATM Sacco, a welfare and development group that brings together members of the Anyore, Tiriki and Maragoli communities.

Wetang’ula said the project could help livestock farmers lower feed costs while creating economic opportunities within the constituency.

“Today we have come to support ATM Sacco so that they can establish a factory for manufacturing animal feeds,” Wetang’ula said. 

“This will help farmers improve their economy and strengthen livestock production in the area.”

He added that the unity demonstrated through the cooperative reflected a broader effort to promote economic inclusion across communities.

“Your unity shows it is possible to move beyond tribal divisions and work together for economic empowerment,” he said.

Farouk Kibet also praised the initiative, describing the feed plant as part of wider grassroots economic empowerment efforts linked to agriculture and rural enterprise development.

“Today, there are mothers struggling to pay school fees and others lacking business capital,” Kibet said. 

“Through this ATM Sacco initiative, many families will access support and improve their livelihoods.”

The leaders used the event to highlight ongoing infrastructure and agricultural projects in Kakamega County, including road construction, market development and industrial investments linked to the national government’s economic agenda.

Governor Barasa said the county administration remained committed to supporting agricultural industrialisation projects that can increase farmers’ incomes and create jobs.

Livestock feed production remains a growing area of investment in Kenya as producers seek to address rising feed costs, which account for a significant share of livestock production expenses. 

The sector has increasingly attracted cooperative societies and farmer groups investing in local feed manufacturing to improve supply reliability and reduce dependence on external suppliers.

According to remarks made during the fundraiser, the ATM Sacco project aims to support dairy and livestock farmers in Likuyani by providing locally manufactured animal feeds while strengthening the region’s agricultural value chain.

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