Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe has urged livestock farmers to embrace the Animal Identification and Traceability (ANITRAC) system, saying the initiative will help Kenya access high-value export markets while strengthening the country’s livestock industry.

Kagwe made the remarks on July 17, 2026, during a livestock sensitisation and tagging exercise in Kurawa, Tana River County, following the national launch of the programme in Nyeri last week.

He was accompanied by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana and officials from the Directorate of Veterinary Services, where they engaged farmers and local leaders on the importance of livestock identification and traceability.

“ANITRAC is more than a tagging exercise. It is the foundation of a modern livestock economy where every registered animal receives a unique digital identity that guarantees traceability from source to market,” Kagwe said.

He noted that international markets increasingly require proof of an animal’s origin, movement history and health status before accepting meat and livestock products.

Export markets

Kagwe urged farmers to cooperate with the ongoing registration exercise, saying Kenya is positioning itself to access premium markets in Europe, the Middle East and other international destinations.

He said achieving that goal depends on the country’s ability to demonstrate credible livestock identification and traceability that meets global standards.

According to the cabinet secretary, Kenya has an estimated 77 million livestock, making the sector one of the country’s key economic pillars. The industry contributes about 12 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and about 40 per cent of agricultural GDP while supporting millions of livelihoods, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).

He said ANITRAC will strengthen disease surveillance and control, reduce livestock theft, improve food safety, restore consumer confidence and increase the value of Kenyan livestock and livestock products in local and international markets.

The system uses locally manufactured ear tags and electronic identification chips, each carrying a unique digital identity linked to a national livestock database.

Kagwe said local production of the identification devices is creating employment opportunities while supporting the growth of Kenya’s agricultural manufacturing sector.

Value addition and farmer incomes

The cabinet secretary also highlighted the government’s investment in Kenya Leather Industrial Parks, saying the facilities will support value addition by promoting the export of finished leather products instead of raw hides and skins.

He said integrating traceability with local processing will strengthen domestic industries, create jobs and improve returns for livestock farmers.

Kagwe said the government’s long-term objective is to transform livestock keeping into a commercial enterprise that creates wealth, supports industrialisation and positions Kenya as a reliable supplier of safe, traceable and high-quality livestock products.

The nationwide rollout of ANITRAC will continue across all counties as the government accelerates livestock registration and strengthens animal health systems.

The programme is expected to improve market access, enhance disease control and increase farmer incomes by providing buyers with verified information on the origin and health status of livestock offered for sale.