Kenya Breeds a Better Future: Climate-Resilient Livestock Bring Hope and Profit to Communities

Across Kenya’s farmlands and semi-arid plains, a quiet revolution is reshaping livestock farming. With each passing season, the country's cows, goats, and sheep are growing tougher, healthier, and far more profitable—thanks to a bold new approach to breeding led by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro).

Source: Smith Center

At the heart of this transformation is Kalro’s ambitious mission to develop livestock that can withstand the harsh effects of climate change while boosting yields and incomes. “Kalro is breeding climate-smart animals,” says Dr. Tura Isako, director of the Beef Research Institute. From dairy cows in Naivasha to beef cattle in Lanet, Kalro’s elite breeding programmes are already making waves among farming communities.

Kalro’s breeding centres are home to high-quality animals—genetic powerhouses engineered to produce more meat and milk, survive in arid climates, and resist disease. These superior traits are passed down through carefully controlled crossbreeding, creating livestock that thrive where traditional breeds struggle.

This isn’t just science in labs. Kalro is working directly with counties and community breeder groups, training farmers and providing access to these improved animals. The economic payoff is real: with better breeds, farmers can pocket between Sh10,000 and Sh15,000 per cow, even after deducting expenses.

In Meru County’s Tigania West, that vision has taken shape on the ground—literally. The Kibiru community beef feedlot, built on eight acres of communal land, is now a hub of activity. Commissioned by President William Ruto on April 2, the feedlot houses 400 cattle each cycle and supports farmers with both a market and a solution to drought-driven livestock loss.

The government’s backing has been more than symbolic. Title deeds were issued to 10,800 locals to secure land ownership, while the Ministry of Agriculture collaborates with the county to provide livestock experts who ensure animals are well-fed and disease-free.

For livestock keepers like those in Kibiru, this isn’t just a feeding facility—it’s a lifeline. During times of drought, when herds are decimated, farmers can restock and fatten animals here over a few months before selling them for a better price, either locally or abroad.

The ripple effect is being felt beyond the pastures. Young people like Dorcas Kawira are finding employment and purpose through the project. With a certificate in general agriculture, Kawira now manages animal care and hygiene at the feedlot, meticulously keeping records and monitoring livestock health. “The weak animals are quarantined,” she explains, “then they are treated and watched until they recover.”

In a high-tech twist, even the animals are going digital. Safaricom has partnered with the project to microchip the livestock, ensuring easy identification and tracking throughout the system.

This new wave of livestock farming is proving that resilience and innovation can go hand in hand. From boosting food security to creating jobs, Kalro and its partners are not just improving animals—they're building a stronger future for Kenyan communities.