Western Kenya counties expand subsidised AI, livestock health support for dairy farmers

KENYA – County governments in Western Kenya are expanding partnerships with the agricultural development organisation FIPS Africa to improve dairy productivity through subsidised artificial insemination (AI), livestock health support, and improved cattle nutrition for smallholder farmers.

The initiative, currently active in Kakamega, Busia and Bungoma counties, combines affordable breeding services with farmer training on animal health, fodder production and dairy management to increase milk yields and household incomes.

In Kakamega County, dairy farmers can now access conventional semen AI services at a subsidised cost of KES 700 (US$5.41) under a programme implemented jointly by the county government and FIPS Africa.

The services are being delivered through county extension officers and licensed private veterinary providers across all wards, with support from the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre and the Kakamega County Dairy Development Corporation (KDDC).

Kakamega County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives Mophat Mandela said the programme aligns with the county’s agricultural development strategy by strengthening dairy farming and improving service delivery to farmers.

Alongside breeding services, participating farmers are receiving training in fodder establishment, animal husbandry, and dairy feeding practices to improve cattle nutrition and milk productivity.

The programme also incorporates livestock health interventions through FIPS Africa’s network of Village Based Advisors (VBAs), who are helping farmers access acaricides, dewormers and mineral supplements.

The organisation says the approach is designed to address some of the major constraints facing smallholder dairy farmers, including poor breeding, limited access to animal health products and inadequate nutrition.

According to programme data shared by FIPS Africa, milk production among participating farmers in parts of Western Kenya has increased from an average of 0.5 litres per cow per day to between 2 and 4 litres after adopting improved breeding, feeding, and health management practices.

Bungoma explores the expansion of AI and extension services

The programme is also gaining traction in neighbouring Bungoma County, where county officials recently held discussions with FIPS Africa to scale up livestock extension services and expand access to affordable AI for farmers.

The Bungoma delegation was led by the Agriculture, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development CECM, Eng.

Herbert Wanjala Kibunguchy, alongside Chief Officer for Livestock and Fisheries Edward Makhandia and senior livestock officials.

FIPS Africa was represented by Western Kenya Programmes Team Leader Vincent Oyondi and Dairy Technical Lead Bainito Odari.

The discussions focused on increasing AI uptake, improving dairy genetics and strengthening extension support to boost livestock productivity among smallholder farmers.

According to FIPS Africa, more than 3,600 AI services have already been conducted in Bungoma County under the programme, resulting in the birth of over 700 calves.

The organisation currently operates a network of more than 3,300 self-employed VBAs across Kenya, working with county governments, research institutions and development partners to support livestock production, animal health and agribusiness development among smallholder farmers.

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