Kirinyaga County
The Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC) is revolutionizing dairy and meat production in Kirinyaga County by introducing Artificial Insemination (AI) technology for goats.
During an open day at the Kutus Ahiti Domba centre, KAGRC Managing Director Benadette Misoi emphasized AI’s importance in modern farming, stating, “Today is a great day for us as we engage with goat dairy farmers, a key segment of livestock farming. AI in goats is a new technology that we are trying to introduce to farmers, with the main objective of increasing productivity. Through selective breeding, we are producing the best semen from our top breeds to ensure higher milk production and better quality meat.”
KAGRC offers a variety of male breeds for AI, focusing on both dairy and meat production.
Ms Misoi highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, working with “a network of agents, distributors, universities, and suppliers who provide the necessary chemicals and equipment for our laboratories.” The government aims to double national milk production from 5 billion to 10 billion litres by 2027, and this initiative is expected to play a vital role.
Goat farmer James Murimi Gichovi, who previously used traditional methods, expressed his enthusiasm for the new technology, saying, “I have been struggling to get the male goats to serve my goat, but I am proud to say I will be among those who will embrace this new technology throughout my goat farming. I have been able to learn the more you improve your goat breeds, even when selling kids, the price will increase since it is of the best quality.”
He added that the 500 shilling charge for AI service is “pocket-friendly.”
A new breeding centre is set to be commissioned in the next two months.
Dr. Misoi explained, “We are doing selective breeding, producing, preserving, and conserving animal genetic material—semen, embryos, tissue, and live animals—while reading breeding sires for the provision of high-quality, disease-free semen for the national and export markets,” adding that they offer semen for various cattle breeds, including Fresian, Ayrshire, Guernsey, Jersey, Sahiwal, and Boran, as well as Magic 50.
Mombasa County
Over 300 youth from six coastal counties (Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Tana River, Taita-Taveta, and Lamu) gathered at the Kenya School of Government Mombasa Campus for a summit themed ‘A Generation at Risk: Confronting the Challenge of Youth Unemployment’.
Deputy Government Spokesperson, Mwanaisha Chidzuga encouraged youth to capitalize on government job opportunities in sectors like maritime, overseas jobs, agriculture, technology, and affordable housing.
“We are here to speak directly to them and exchange ideas on how best they can take advantage of the available opportunities based on their experience,” she stated.
Ms Chidzuga cited the government’s creation of over 50,000 teaching jobs and the opportunities available through ICT hubs.
Chief Whip Coast Youth Bunge, Hamad Tanguri highlighted the challenges youth face accessing loans due to collateral requirements, while Swahilipot Founder Mahmoud Noor emphasized the potential of technology, urging the government to reduce taxes on internet and laptops.
West Pokot County
Governor Simon Kachapin has welcomed the establishment of a modern digital Centre of Excellence in West Pokot, stating it is “long overdue” and will address youth unemployment.
Following a site visit with Konza Technopolis Chief Manager Antony Sang, a new site was identified in the Tartar area after the initial Bendera site proved too small.
Eng. Sang explained the project is part of a government initiative to establish 1450 digital units across the country, with the first phase involving 50 centres.
He stated, “The government, under the digital economic blueprint, wishes to establish 1450 digital units across the country. The first phase starts with 50 centres, which have to be done by the end of this Financial Year. In West Pokot we have one such to be done in one ward.”
The contractor, led by Timothy Makumi, emphasized their commitment to using local manpower and materials.
