This archive report was first published on 26 July 2019.
Published on July 26, 2019, by DR JOSEPH MUGACHIA, a renowned expert in the field of livestock farming.
Kenya's livestock industry has been facing significant challenges due to poor farming practices among its farmers. These practices have led to the country's exclusion from trading in livestock and its products in lucrative markets such as Europe and some Middle East countries.
One of the main reasons for this exclusion is the lack of sustained disease control programs among farmers. Many farmers in Kenya do not voluntarily vaccinate their animals or keep records of their health, which makes it difficult to control diseases and ensure food safety.
According to Dr. Mugachia, the problem lies not only with the government but also with the farmers themselves. 'Before pointing a finger at the government, farmers need to remember the other four fingers are pointing back at themselves,' he said.
Dr. Mugachia shared a personal experience with a farmer from Murang'a who wanted to export 15 breeding pigs to a neighboring country. The farmer was surprised to learn that the import permit required him to meet certain conditions, including providing laboratory evidence that his animals were free of diseases such as brucellosis.
After consulting with the Director of Veterinary Services of Kenya (DVS) and conducting tests on the animals, Dr. Mugachia was able to assist the farmer in meeting the requirements and obtaining an export permit.
The experience highlighted the importance of communal efforts in overcoming diseases and trade restrictions. Dr. Mugachia emphasized that individual efforts, no matter how good, are not enough to overcome these challenges.
