Uasin Gishu County has marked a significant milestone in Kenya’s livestock sector by successfully exporting 50 in-calf Ayrshire heifers to Nigeria the first-ever live cattle air shipment from the county to West Africa. This historic export, carried out via Eldoret International Airport, reflects a growing emphasis on transforming the region into a hub for high-quality livestock production.
The heifers, which are young pregnant cows entering their first milk-producing cycle, were sourced by Kinanie Agrovet Suppliers Ltd from various farmers across Uasin Gishu. The move has been widely hailed by county officials as a breakthrough for the local agricultural economy and a testament to the county’s investment in livestock development under Governor Jonathan Bii’s Nguzo Kumi agenda.
“We are proud of this move to export our livestock because it opens new markets and frontiers for our farmers in this region,” said Governor Bii during the flag-off ceremony. His administration has focused on agricultural transformation, including subsidized artificial insemination (AI) services, enhanced disease control, and improved extension support to uplift breed quality and empower local farmers.
Chief Officer for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Abraham Kiptalam, attributed the success to deliberate county initiatives aimed at enhancing livestock value chains. “This is the outcome of Governor Bii’s strong commitment to livestock development,” Kiptalam noted.
Dr Ibrahim Mohammed, Head of Veterinary Services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, lauded Uasin Gishu’s strict adherence to export standards, noting it sets the stage for continued international market access. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality protocols to meet global demand.
Dr Sylvester Malei, Director of Kinanie Agrovet, revealed that interest in Uasin Gishu’s livestock is rising across the Middle East, West Africa, and East Africa. He affirmed that the exported heifers met stringent international health and productivity standards, with the Nigerian shipment intended for breeding purposes due to the animals’ quality and adaptability.
With previous livestock exports to Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania, and growing interest from Saudi Arabia, Uasin Gishu is now firmly on the map as a key player in regional and global livestock markets.
