The Kenyan government, in collaboration with international partners, has allocated Sh9.46 billion to enhance livestock farming and improve the livelihoods of 110,000 rural small-scale farmer households across ten counties.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP), aims to promote sustainable livestock production, food security, and income generation for marginalized communities.
A Multi-Partner Initiative for Livestock Commercialization
KeLCoP is a six-year program supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Heifer International.
The project is designed to shift smallholder farmers from subsistence to commercial livestock farming, enabling them to tap into profitable markets and improve their economic resilience.
During a recent validation visit in Kakamega County, KeLCoP National Project Coordinator, Prof. Moses Kembe, emphasized that the project focuses on four major livestock value chains:
- Indigenous poultry rearing
- Beekeeping
- Sheep farming
- Dairy and goat meat production
Prof. Kembe highlighted that KeLCoP prioritizes women, youth, and marginalized groups, who often rear small ruminants such as sheep, goats (for both meat and dairy), locally improved chicken, and bees.
By investing in these sectors, the project seeks to enhance productive employment opportunities while boosting food security and rural incomes.
Target Counties and Impact on Small-Scale Farmers
The project covers ten counties:
- Western Kenya: Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Siaya
- Rift Valley: Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo
- Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs): Marsabit, Samburu
These regions were selected based on their potential for livestock farming and the presence of vulnerable populations that could benefit from commercialization opportunities.
In Kakamega County, for instance, KeLCoP supports 18,844 small-scale livestock households, particularly in four sub-counties: Lugari (Lumakanda), Shinyalu (Isukha Central), Khwisero (Kisa Central), and Butere (Marama Central).
The project is providing training, improved livestock breeds, and access to financial resources to enable farmers to scale up production.
Alignment with Kenya’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda
KeLCoP aligns with the Kenyan government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, which aims to modernize and commercialize the country’s agricultural sector.
By improving rural livelihoods through livestock farming, the initiative seeks to:
- Increase household incomes through market-oriented livestock production.
- Enhance food security and nutrition by ensuring a sustainable supply of animal products.
- Support climate-resilient agricultural practices to mitigate challenges such as drought and disease outbreaks.
Project Timeline and Future Prospects
KeLCoP is expected to run until September 2027, with continuous monitoring and support from the government and international partners.
By the end of the project, thousands of rural households are expected to transition from small-scale, traditional livestock farming to sustainable, profitable agribusiness ventures.
Through this initiative, Kenya’s livestock sector is set for significant transformation, with smallholder farmers at the heart of economic growth and rural development.
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