Wajir: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening livestock production in Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) regions because the sector remains central to the country’s economy and livelihoods.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking during the Livestock Training Institute (LTI) Wajir graduation ceremony, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe, in remarks delivered on his behalf by the Director of Livestock Production Dr. Bishar Elmi, congratulated the 2025 graduating class and commended the institution for advancing livestock training and community outreach.
The CS noted that livestock contributes about 12 percent of Kenya’s GDP and supports the livelihoods of nearly 10 million Kenyans, particularly in ASAL counties. Institutions like LTI Wajir are therefore central to building a sustainable and climate-resilient livestock sector. Kagwe highlighted that the ministry is implementing programmes aimed at enhancing skills development and market competitiveness, including the Livestock Commercialization Programme, the National Livestock Identification and Traceability System, and modernization of livestock training facilities.
During the ceremony, Dr. Elmi emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts, such as the second phase of the national livestock restocking programme, along with promoting disease control, pasture development, and export market access. He stated that livestock should transition from subsistence to a money economy, focusing on targeted investments in feeds, genetics, disease control, and export infrastructure to reposition the sector as an economic pillar.
The Dean of Principals, Dr. Samuel Mugo, assured that the graduates have undergone standardized national examinations and are prepared for professional practice. He expressed confidence in their training and urged continued collaboration with county governments to absorb locally trained livestock professionals.
Dr. Augustus Kiema, Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project (KELCOP) Livestock Production Specialist, remarked that the project has supported over 200 trainees at the institution since 2023 through business and technical capacity-building. He promised continued support through internships, entrepreneurship grants, and provision of animal health kits to encourage self-employment.
Kenya Veterinary Board Director of Compliance, Enforcement and Market Surveillance Dr. Benson Kibore reminded graduates to register with the board before their internship, emphasizing that it is a supervised practice period and not a license to practice independently. He underscored the importance of compliance with the Veterinary Surgeon and Paraprofessionals Act and the Code of Ethics for guiding professional conduct.
LTI Wajir Principal Ms. Josephine Njogu congratulated the class, comprising 69 certificate students, 12 of whom upgraded to diploma, and 21 diploma graduates. She noted that 84 of the graduates were sponsored by the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project from ten project counties, receiving additional training in rangeland management, epidemiology, statistical analysis, and leadership. She emphasized that these graduates are equipped to support communities in improving livestock health, rangeland sustainability, and value addition.
