This archive report was first published on 22 June 2020.
On June 22, 2020, the Directorate of Veterinary Services and Kenya Bureau of Standards issued a notice suspending the marketing of Rumate, a popular nitrogen-rich product used by dairy farmers to improve milk yield.
The move comes after 24 dairy cows owned by Emurua-Dikir MP Johanna Ng'eno died in Narok, Kenya, after allegedly being fed on the product.
Rumate, which is manufactured by Ireland-based Agritech International, has been a staple among dairy farmers for its ability to improve dry matter digestibility and increase protein absorption.
According to the notice, the sale and distribution of Rumate have been suspended pending investigations into the safety concerns raised by the deaths of the dairy cows.
Dealers have been instructed to immediately declare their Rumate stocks, and farmers who have purchased the product have been warned to desist from serving it until the investigations are concluded.
The government has also warned that farmers who continue to use the product may face legal action.
Agritech International, which was established in 1977 in Nenagh, Ireland, has operations in 20 markets worldwide.
