Strengthening Kenya’s Dairy Sector: Advancing Productivity Through Dutch-Kenyan Collaboration

His experience with Friesian cows, has been a learning curve. He understands that artificial insemination offers better genetic improvements, disease control, optimal production and profitability. However, like many farmers, accessing the right information on breed selection, artificial insemination was not always guaranteed. He is currently working on transitioning from the current breeds to the Fleckvieh breed, a dual-purpose cow, known for its high milk production and meat.

The status of breeding in Kenya’s dairy sector remains mixed. On one hand, the uptake of artificial insemination services has been low, despite more genetic centers coming up and importing high-quality breeds. On the other hand, overall milk production remains relatively low compared to potential yields. The need for sensitization among farmers and stakeholders remains key in growing the industry. Developing and importing breeds that adapt well to Kenya’s diverse climates is essential in optimizing production.

To strengthen skills and knowledge in Artificial Insemination (AI), the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS), in partnership with Murang’a County and with support from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Nairobi, organized a workshop for breeders, AI technicians, and farmers.

According to Dr. William Mwangi, County Director of Veterinary Services in Murang’a County, the county has over 326,000 dairy cows. With the animal breeding industry expanding and the demand for animal protein rising due to population growth, lifestyle changes, and urbanization, there is a pressing need to enhance the quality and productivity of dairy breeds to meet these increasing demands.

The workshop focused on key areas such as proper handling of semen, AI equipment, and liquid nitrogen containers, maintaining the quality of animal genetics, best practices for AI procedures; accurate AI and performance recording; interpreting sire catalogues, understanding the roles of AI service providers, DVS, and CDVS in AI regulation, and ensuring quality assurance in semen regulation and field supervision.

According to Eric K. Kimalit, Managing Director of the Practical Dairy Training Centre, a  research study was conducted to identify gaps in Kenya’s breeding industry, particularly in the knowledge and training needs of AI providers and the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS). The findings highlighted a lack of adequate training among inseminators in key areas such as sire catalogues, AI recording, and herd management. Additionally, weak enforcement of legal and regulatory frameworks led to inconsistencies in service delivery.

One of the key lessons from the training in Murang'a was the importance of AI recording and performance analysis. Successful AI involves several steps, including proper preparation, accurate recording of insemination details, and consistent monitoring of cow performance post-insemination. Many inseminators lacked knowledge of AI recording methods, which made it difficult to track breeding progress. Encouraging AI service providers to transition from merely offering insemination services to actively participating in herd improvement as breeders could improve the industry’s overall productivity.

The involvement of private sector players has been instrumental in addressing some of the challenges in Kenya’s dairy breeding industry. Companies such as  CKL Africa and Super Genes Kenya have been at the forefront of promoting quality genetics and AI services. Through partnerships with Dutch genetics companies like CRV and KI Samen, Kenyan farmers now have access to superior dairy breeds that promise better productivity. These collaborations extend beyond genetic supply to include technical support, capacity building, and knowledge exchange programs between Kenyan and Dutch dairy stakeholders.

The training emphasized the importance of regulatory oversight by both the DVS and County Directorate of Veterinary Services (CDVS) in ensuring AI services adhere to the highest standards. However, devolution has posed new challenges in supervision and regulation, with many counties struggling to root out unqualified AI providers. Strengthening field supervision and ensuring inseminators are well-trained and licensed will go a long way in improving service delivery.

Several recommendations emerged from the training to address the breeding challenges in Kenya’s dairy sector. One of the key proposals was the development of integrated digital recording platforms that would be used by all breeding stakeholders. This would help in tracking AI services, monitoring cow performance, and ensuring better data management. Collaboration between the DVS, CDVS, Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB), semen producers, and importers was also identified as a crucial step in improving the industry. Bilateral government agreements, especially with countries like the Netherlands, would facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building for AI service providers.

Another important recommendation was the organization of inseminators into professional groups to enhance supervision and accountability. Similarly, forming farmer groups would facilitate easier capacity-building initiatives and resource mobilization. Encouraging a harmonized, competency-based training approach that incorporates extensive management skills would equip AI service providers with the knowledge they need to deliver high-quality services.

As Boniface reflects on his journey, he is optimistic about the future of dairy breeding in Kenya. The partnerships between Kenyan companies and Dutch genetics firms offer a promising avenue for improving dairy productivity. However, he knows that for real change to happen, farmers must take an active role in learning and adopting best breeding practices. With continued training, proper regulation, and access to high-quality genetics, the dream of a thriving dairy sector in Kenya is within reach. Moving forward, ensuring consistent follow-up training sessions and policy implementation will be key in transforming Kenya’s dairy breeding landscape.