Kirinyaga County farmers are set benefit from a Goat Artificial Insemination (A.I) Center
launched by President William Ruto on Wednesday.
The Center, which is first of its kind in East and Central Africa is a groundbreaking milestone in
the county and country’s agricultural sector, especially in livestock farming.
During the event, Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru expressed gratitude for the transformative
initiative, highlighting the positive impact it would have on local farming communities and the
wider economy. “We are particularly honored to host the Goat AI Center at Ndomba, which is
not only a great treasure for our county but also a key development milestone for our country.
This center is a significant step forward in improving goat production and food security in
Kirinyaga County,” she said.
With Kirinyaga’s goat population estimated at 24,400, Waiguru said that the center’s role in
improving breeding practices is critical to advancing food security and economic stability for
local farmers. She further noted the importance of goat farming to the county’s agricultural
ecosystem, which benefits from both meat and milk production, offering a sustainable source of
income and nutrition for many families.
Waiguru added that through Wezesha Kirinyaga program, which aims to empower local farmers,
over 600 farmers have been supported with pregnant goats and community bucks. Additionally,
the farmers have been provided with AI services which include semen and liquid nitrogen,
valued at Ksh. 354,000. These services are availed through four constituency-based Community-
Based Organizations (CBOs) namely Ndia, Mlima, Uriithi, and Mwea.
She noted that the Goat AI Center is part of a broader effort to transform the agricultural sector
in Kirinyaga highlighting that the county has trained AI inseminators who assist farmers with
timely and efficient services. She also emphasized that the county government has been actively
sensitizing farmers on the importance of AI in livestock production and making AI services more
accessible through subsidies that significantly reduce the cost compared to private sector rates.
The governor underscored the vast potential of goat products, with demand growing in markets
such as hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and local consumers seeking nutritious and healthy
products.
“With the right genetic improvements and more efficient farming practices, we can unlock the
full potential of goat farming and provide a steady supply of quality products to meet these
expanding markets,” she stated.
As part of the ongoing efforts to enhance development in the county, the Governor underscored
the importance of collaboration between the county and national government, thanking the
president for supporting the implementation of various projects in the county including the
construction of 11 ESP markets at various stages of progress, the ongoing establishment of an
Export Processing Zone (EPZ), construction of dykes at the Industrial Park, and the creation of
the Sagana Trauma Center among others.
She expressed her unwavering commitment to advancing the county’s development agenda and
further strengthening partnerships with the national government for the benefit of Kirinyaga
people.
