The Kenyan government has announced plans to import 50,000 domesticated Murrah buffaloes from India to help alleviate a milk shortage. Agriculture Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke confirmed the initiative, stating that the ministry, under Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, has gazetted water buffaloes as a food source.
The decision follows a growing demand for milk and a decline in local buffalo populations. Mueke clarified that the imports will focus on domesticated Murrah buffaloes, not wild animals, to ensure quality and sustainability. The buffalo meat is expected to be available in markets by January 2025.
Kenya has faced challenges in maintaining its livestock numbers due to environmental factors and disease outbreaks. The importation of Murrah buffaloes, known for high milk production, is part of a broader strategy to enhance food security. The government has also emphasized the need for improved livestock management practices to support long-term agricultural growth.
