Nairobi: The government has initiated a Sh2.1 billion preparedness plan aimed at protecting livestock farmers and pastoralists from the expected adverse effects of El Ni±o weather. Interventions targeting disease control, livestock evacuation, animal welfare, and the protection of critical infrastructure are included in the strategy.
According to Kenya News Agency, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mr. Mutahi Kagwe launched the ‘National Livestock Sector El Ni±o Preparedness and Anticipatory Action Plan’ in Isiolo County. He stated that the initiative would enable the Government to act before disasters occur rather than wait to respond after losses have been recorded. Mr. Kagwe highlighted advisories from the Kenya Meteorological Department that indicated an increased likelihood of enhanced rainfall, flooding, and flash floods in several parts of the country.
Mr. Kagwe expressed the government’s commitment to ensuring livestock farmers and pastoral communities are adequately prepared, especially in areas where livestock is the main source of livelihood. The preparedness programme will initially target 24 counties vulnerable due to their exposure to flooding and high livestock populations. These counties include Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Narok, Kajiado, Baringo, West Pokot, Busia, Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Meru, and Embu.
The government plans to expand the programme to more counties based on emerging weather forecasts and advisories from the Kenya Meteorological Department. The preparedness measures are informed by the devastating effects of the 2023 El Ni±o rains and the 2024 long-rains floods, which led to livestock losses, infrastructure destruction, and disease outbreaks negatively impacting the livestock sector. Mr. Kagwe emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to disaster management in communities heavily reliant on livestock.
The largest share of the budget, Sh1.5 billion, will be allocated for procuring and pre-positioning vaccines, veterinary medicines, laboratory reagents, personal protective equipment, mobile veterinary clinics, and emergency response kits in the targeted counties. The supplies will be strategically positioned for quick response during disease outbreaks or other livestock emergencies. The intervention will also focus on diseases like Rift Valley Fever, whose spread can be aggravated by flooding.
Additionally, Sh250 million will be allocated to protect critical livestock infrastructure from extreme weather effects. Facilities such as cattle dips, livestock markets, slaughterhouses, milk-cooling facilities, veterinary laboratories, and feed stores are targeted. Mr. Kagwe noted that safeguarding such infrastructure is necessary to ensure livestock value chains remain operational during severe weather.
The government has also allocated Sh100 million to strengthen early warning systems, climate-risk mapping, emergency communication networks, and coordination among disaster response agencies. Another Sh100 million will support livestock evacuation, animal welfare, and logistics operations, especially in areas where flooding may force communities to move animals to safer locations. The plan further provides Sh50 million for establishing strategic feed and fodder reserves and emergency water supply arrangements.
An additional Sh100 million will support farmer awareness campaigns, biosecurity measures promotion, livestock insurance sensitization, commercial offtake operations, and contingency planning. These measures aim to help farmers make informed decisions and reduce livestock vulnerability during extreme weather.
During his visit to Isiolo, Mr. Kagwe launched the Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANITRAC) drive, which aims to combat livestock theft and improve the competitiveness of Kenyan livestock and products. The system will provide information on the origin, movement, and health status of animals, enabling stakeholders to trace livestock throughout the value chain.
Mr. Kagwe warned cattle rustlers that the identification and traceability system would make it difficult for stolen animals to enter legitimate markets. He also urged security agencies to take action against suspected stock thieves, emphasizing that such practices undermine efforts to secure the livestock sector.
Beyond combating livestock theft, ANITRAC will help Kenya meet requirements in domestic and international markets. Reliable information about an animal’s history will strengthen food safety measures, improve disease surveillance, and boost consumer confidence in Kenyan livestock products.
The launch of ANITRAC coincided with Mr. Kagwe’s inspection of the Isiolo international abattoir, a major facility expected to enhance the county’s role in livestock processing and exports. Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, who accompanied Mr. Kagwe, stated that the livestock vaccination programme was already strengthening the country’s preparedness against animal diseases and supporting export market expansion.
The El Ni±o preparedness programme will be implemented under the One Health framework, integrating human, animal, and environmental health surveillance to improve coordination in managing zoonotic diseases and health risks.
Isiolo County Secretary Dade Boru assured that the county government would collaborate with the national Government to enhance security around livestock facilities. Plans are underway to establish a police post at the Isiolo livestock holding ground to ensure the safety of livestock traders and workers. Boru emphasized that maintaining healthy livestock is crucial for meeting international market standards.
The government anticipates that the new preparedness plan, ANITRAC system, and ongoing vaccination efforts will reduce livestock losses during extreme weather, contain disease outbreaks, and bolster the resilience of livestock-dependent communities.
