By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
The government is set to roll out a nationwide Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANITRAC) aimed at streamlining livestock management and boosting the marketability of animal products.
Speaking during the opening of the new Nambale Livestock Sale Yard in Busia County, Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said the ANITRAC software, currently being piloted on government farms, will soon be rolled out in counties to ensure every animal is tagged and traceable.
“Every animal will have a tag with a chip. When scanned, the tag will reveal the owner’s details, the animal’s breed, weight, birth date, milk production, and vaccination history. This traceability will increase transparency and raise the value of livestock, ultimately benefiting farmers,” said Mueke.
The PS added that the government is implementing quality improvement measures to boost livestock productivity through subsidized artificial insemination and embryo transfer under the National Breed Improvement Program.
“The demand for animal products is high, but our productivity remains low. These interventions are meant to improve both the quality and quantity of produce to meet market standards,” he stated.
Mueke lauded the quality of the new livestock market, describing it as a modern facility equipped with quarantine zones, cattle and goat yards, shades, stalls, and offices. He said the sale yard would create employment opportunities across sectors such as transport, security, food, and casual labour.
The Ksh 23 million project was jointly developed by the national government and the County Government of Busia under the Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project (KeLCOP).
Director of Livestock Production Bishar Fille Elmi highlighted Busia’s vibrant livestock sector, noting the county has over 1.2 million poultry, 217,000 cattle, 197,000 goats, and 112,000 sheep. He said thousands of animals are treated annually to maintain herd health.
Busia County CECM for Agriculture George Mukok said the new market is expected to stimulate livestock production in Busia and neighbouring counties, while the quarantine section would ensure only healthy animals are traded.
“The identification system will enhance traceability and curb theft. We are also formulating a law to retain a portion of the market revenue for maintenance,” Mukok said.
Busia County Commissioner Mwachaunga Chaunga urged residents to scale up farming to supply raw materials to the ongoing industrial projects, including the EPZ and the aggregation and industrial park in Nasewa.
“The government is constructing 11 markets across the county to provide traders with better infrastructure. Let’s take advantage of these investments to grow our local economy,” he said.
Nambale Market Management Committee Chairperson Jackline Musungu said the new facility addresses livestock theft concerns and offers traders a secure environment. She added that traders had been sensitized on their rights through KeLCOP.
