Kenya Tightens Livestock Standards In Push For Global Market Access

By Suleiman Mbatiah

More than 1,300 veterinary interns have been deployed across Kenya as part of a broader state-led strategy to transform the livestock sector through digital systems, export readiness and stricter adherence to international standards.

The rollout is expected to strengthen disease surveillance, improve food safety and unlock access to high-value international markets, positioning livestock as a central pillar in Kenya’s economic growth and public health protection efforts.

The reforms coincide with the inauguration of a new board at the Kenya Veterinary Board, signaling a governance shift aimed at tightening regulation, enhancing professional standards and aligning the sector with global compliance requirements.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe said the transformation will be driven by technology, workforce expansion and strict adherence to international standards that define competitiveness in global livestock trade.

“Moving forward, exporting animals to international markets must have traceability. That is why we have ANITRAC,” Kagwe said, underscoring the central role of digital tracking in enhancing Kenya’s export credibility.

The Animal Identification and Traceability System is expected to enable real-time tracking of livestock, improving disease control while ensuring that Kenyan animal products meet stringent requirements in international markets and supply chains.

Officials said veterinary professionals will now play an expanded role beyond clinical services, linking animal health to food security, trade facilitation, environmental management and broader national stability within an increasingly complex global ecosystem.

New Kenya Veterinary Board Chair Dr. John Wilberforce Muchibi said the institution will focus on safeguarding livelihoods, strengthening regulatory oversight and fostering innovation to respond to evolving challenges in animal and public health systems.

The internship programme, now in its tenth cohort, has trained more than 7,500 graduates, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals expected to improve service delivery and resilience across Kenya’s livestock value chains.

“You are sitting at the intersection of animal health, public health, food security and national stability,” Muchibi said, highlighting the strategic importance of veterinary governance in addressing interconnected national priorities.

Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke said young professionals will drive innovation and sectoral transformation, adding that government support will focus on structured career pathways, facilitation and timely deployment across the country.

The government is also advancing digitization through platforms such as the Kenya Agricultural Digital and Information Centre, aimed at improving data access, service delivery and market integration for farmers and industry stakeholders.

Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Allan Azegele warned that emerging threats including zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance and climate-related risks require coordinated, multi-sectoral responses under the globally recognized One Health framework.

“Transformation is not driven by policy alone — it is driven by you, the young people,” Mueke said, urging the interns to take an active role in shaping a modern, competitive and resilient livestock sector.