News16 July 2026 - 07:56

Government to set aside Sh465 billion to tackle animal feed crisis

State is also piloting a Livestock Master Plan to guide county-level investments based on agro-ecological conditions.

by AGATHA NGOTHO

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The government is planning to invest Sh465 billion to address the country's chronic animal feed shortage.

Speaking during the opening of the AKEFEMA Feeds Exhibition and Conference (AFEC) 2026 in Nairobi, Newton Kariuki, Head of the Animal Feeds and Nutrition Sector at the State Department of Livestock Development, said the investment will be made through the National Feed Strategy.

The strategy aims to improve the availability, quality and affordability of animal feed, which is critical to boosting livestock productivity, enhancing food security and strengthening rural livelihoods.

“Inadequate animal feed continues to be the biggest constraint to livestock productivity. Feed remains the single most important determinant of livestock productivity and competitiveness," he said.

Kariuki said Kenya requires about 55 million metric tonnes of dry matter annually for livestock but currently produces only about 40 per cent of that requirement, leaving a feed deficit estimated at 33 million metric tonnes.

The shortfall, coupled with the high cost of feed, has made livestock production increasingly expensive, with feed accounting for between 70 and 80 per cent of production costs for many farmers.

He attributed the challenge to low forage productivity, costly raw materials, poor adoption of research findings, post-harvest losses, inefficient supply chains and inadequate investment in modern feed production technologies.

Kariuki also raised concerns over the quality of animal feed in the market, citing reports of adulterated and poorly labelled products.

"Farmers deserve quality feed because consumers deserve safe animal products. Whatever goes into the animal eventually finds its way onto our tables," he said, calling for stricter quality assurance and enforcement.

To tackle the crisis, the government is implementing a 10-year National Feed Strategy valued at approximately Sh465 billion. The strategy targets the development of 14 priority feed value chains, including pasture, fodder crops, sunflower, cotton and maize silage, while encouraging greater private sector investment.

The government is also piloting a Livestock Master Plan to guide county-level investments based on agro-ecological conditions.

In addition, Kariuki said the One Ward, One Feed Initiative aims to increase forage production by generating about 300,000 metric tonnes of dry matter annually by 2028 across Kenya's 1,450 wards.

He said the initiative is expected to reduce recurring feed shortages that often result in massive livestock losses during droughts.

The government is also exploring the establishment of a Strategic National Feed Reserve to store hay, silage and fodder during surplus seasons for use during drought emergencies.

"This will be a major policy shift that will help protect livelihoods, livestock and national food security," Kariuki said.

He added that technology and innovation will play a central role in transforming the sector.

On biotechnology, Kariuki called for an evidence-based national conversation, saying discussions on genetically modified feed ingredients should be guided by science, biosafety and Kenya's national interests.

He cited the success of Bt cotton in increasing yields, reducing pesticide use and providing more cottonseed cake for livestock feed.

The government, he said, is engaging regulators on restrictions affecting genetically modified feed ingredients while respecting ongoing legal processes.

To reduce dependence on imports, Kariuki urged feed manufacturers to strengthen contract farming arrangements that guarantee farmers reliable markets for crops such as soybean and sunflower, which are critical raw materials for feed production.

He also challenged county governments to prioritise feed and fodder development in their agricultural programmes, while calling on research institutions to accelerate the development of climate-smart technologies.

Joseph Karuri, Chairman of the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA), said Kenya's animal feed industry comprises approximately 400 feed millers, most of whom are small-scale enterprises. The sector also includes medium-sized millers and a few large commercial manufacturers.

Collectively, the industry produces about 2.5 million metric tonnes of compounded animal feed annually.

Of this, around 2 million metric tonnes are manufactured by commercial feed millers, while the remaining 500,000 metric tonnes are produced through home mixing and small cottage industries.

“A typical bag of poultry feed consists of three main components. Approximately 60 per cent is made up of energy sources, 24 per cent is protein, while the remaining 16 per cent comprises minerals, vitamins and feed additives,” said Karuri.

“The quality of these ingredients is critical because it directly determines animal health, productivity and profitability. Our goal is to ensure that every ingredient used in feed formulation enables livestock to achieve optimum performance.”

The conference, held under the theme "Unlocking Africa's Livestock Productivity Through Technological Innovation in Feed Production," brought together government officials, researchers, feed manufacturers, farmers and development partners to discuss solutions to the continent's growing feed challenges.

Instant analysis

Kenya's animal feed industry comprises approximately 400 feed millers, most of whom are small-scale enterprises. The sector also includes medium-sized millers and a few large commercial manufacturers. Together, they produce about 2.5 million metric tonnes of compounded animal feed annually. Around 2 million metric tonnes are manufactured by commercial feed millers, while the remaining 500,000 metric tonnes come from home mixing and small cottage industries.