In an ambitious effort to enhance milk production and improve rural livelihoods, Kwale County has launched a livestock distribution programme that saw 30 hybrid dairy cows and 144 gala goats handed over to small-scale farmers across the region. The initiative forms part of a broader dairy development strategy intended to strengthen the county’s agricultural value chain and promote sustainable food security.
The programme, supported by the Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) project, aims to increase milk yields, improve nutrition, and raise household incomes among rural communities. Funded by the World Bank and implemented in the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Lamu, the KEMFSED project supports various blue economy and livestock interventions with the objective of transforming local economies through sustainable development.
Beneficiary farmers received more than just animals; the package included personal protective equipment (PPE), livestock vaccines, feed supplements, starter feed packs, grass seeds, and sexed semen to aid in animal breeding. These inputs are designed to ensure that farmers have the necessary resources to care for the animals and maximize productivity from the outset.
During the livestock distribution ceremony held in Mafisini, Msambweni Sub-County, county leadership emphasized the long-term vision behind the initiative. The programme is expected to uplift smallholder farmers by providing them with high-performing dairy animals capable of delivering significantly higher milk yields than traditional local breeds. Hybrid dairy cows provided under the programme can produce up to 12 litres of milk per day—a notable improvement over the average yields from indigenous breeds.
The introduction of hardy gala goats, known for their adaptability and high milk output, is another strategic component of the initiative. These goats are expected to enhance income generation for rural households not only through milk production but also through breeding and future livestock sales. Over time, this is projected to contribute meaningfully to local economic development.
Since the start of the KEMFSED programme, more than 100 hybrid dairy cows and over 5,200 dairy goats have already been distributed to farmers in Kwale County. These numbers reflect the county’s sustained commitment to supporting agricultural development as a pathway to economic empowerment and food self-sufficiency.
The initiative operates on a pass-on model, where beneficiaries are expected to pass on the offspring of the distributed animals to other farmers in the community. This approach ensures that the benefits of the programme are shared more widely and continue to reach more households over time. To support this model, the county government, through its Department of Agriculture and Livestock Development, has pledged to closely monitor the health and productivity of the distributed livestock.
Training programmes are currently underway across all 30 wards in the county, equipping farmers with vital skills in livestock management. Topics covered include herd nutrition, artificial insemination techniques, understanding milk production cycles, and calving management. These capacity-building efforts aim to ensure that the livestock are properly managed and that the full potential of the initiative is realized.
The livestock distribution programme represents more than just a one-time handout. It reflects a long-term vision to create a self-sustaining agricultural system that empowers communities, improves food security, and strengthens the local dairy sector. Through targeted investment and strategic partnerships, Kwale County is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable rural development.
