Sessional paper No. 02 of 2008 on National Livestock Policy

Abstract

The Livestock policy covers key issues relating to: farm animal genetic resources, livestock nutrition, feeds, inputs, animal diseases and pests, livestock marketing, research and extension and food security. In developing this subsector policy, it was appreciated that over 80% of Kenya's land mass is in the ASALs, and that livestock is the main activity in these areas. It further noted that even in the non-ASAL areas, the livestock sub-sector constitutes .an important source of family income and food security. In addition; due to its various products, livestock contributes significantly to the · foreign exchange earnings for our nation. As such, livestock farming will be pursued at both the subsistence and commercial levels. This policy framework recognizes the major stakeholders in the livestock sub sector and proceeds to define their respective roles. It also takes cognizance of the impact of livestock activities on the environment and the impact of the availability of other natural resources such as land water, and wildlife/livestock interaction on livestock production.