04/09/2026
COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO PUMP MORE RESOURCES IN DAIRY, MEAT GOAT AND INDIGENOUS POULTRY FARMING
To improve the lives of the Busia people economically through the, dairy and meat goat and indigenous poultry farming the County Government of Busia, through the Department of Smart Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Blue Economy and Agribusiness, has intensified efforts to sensitize farmers on the benefits of keeping quality animals.
During a stakeholders’ engagement meeting convened under the Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project (KeLCoP), participants noted that indigenous poultry, also known as local chicken breeds, offers a sustainable pathway for job creation and rural development.It was also affirmed that these birds are more resistant to diseases, better adapted to harsh climatic conditions, and require lower maintenance costs compared to exotic breeds.
Addressing farmers, producers, agro-dealers, and other sector players, in the two-day event the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Dr. George Mukok, highlighted that indigenous poultry farming accounts for about 75% of livestock kept.
He emphasized that the county government is unlocking the full potential in poultry and goat value chain that would generate opportunities for farmers, processors, marketers, distributors, veterinarians, feed manufacturers, and input suppliers by establishing enabling infrastructure, including the County Aggregation and Industrial Park at Naswa, to provide a ready market for their products.
In goat Farming, the CECM noted that the farming is gaining a significant attention as an adaptable, profitable, and low-maintenance agricultural activity revealing that both small-scale and large-scale farmers, goats offer a range of benefits that make them a viable investment in Busia as a county.
His remarks were reinforced by the Chief Officer for Livestock, Mercy Imo, who noted that poultry farming is already improving livelihoods in Busia both economically and nutritionally, adding that unlike cattle or other larger animals, poultry and goats farming require far less room and can be raised in confined spaces without stress.
This adaptability makes them an ideal choice for rural and urban farmers alike, as even a small plot of land can comfortably support a few goats.
Currently, marketing and distribution of the small stock products in Busia remain largely informal where small-scale farmers sell directly to local markets or through intermediaries, a system that often limits their earnings and fails to capture the full economic value of their produce.
Present were the County Director Livestock Production Mr. David Mukabane, his trade Counterpart Mr. Austine Ndege and the County Project Coordinator for KeLCoP Mr. Radoli Shiundu among other county government officers.