Livestock Multiplication in the Kerio Valley Region

Economic Importance of Livestock

Livestock rearing is the mainstay economic and land use activity for the pastoral communities in the Kerio Valley Region. The region forms part of the Northern Kenya Rangelands which supplies over 80% of all meat consumed in the country.

Majority of the livestock kept in this region comprise of indigenous breeds which are Small East African Goat, Zebu cattle, Camels and red Maasai sheep. These breeds are known to survive under the prevailing harsh climatic conditions in the region but are small in size hence less productive.

KVDA's Livestock Improvement Initiative

It is for these reasons that KVDA identified livestock improvement as one of its priority development agenda for the region.

Improvement of the local breeds has been realized through promotion of dry land pasture production, introduction of improved livestock breeds and establishment of livestock improvement centres. In spite of the limited financial resources, the Authority has successfully established and operationalized Livestock centres at:

• Nomotio in Saburu
• Chemeron in Baringo
• Chesongoch in ElgeyoMarakwet