Kitui County is set to become a major hub in Kenya’s livestock development agenda following the approval of two transformative projects: a commercial feedlot and the Kitui Livestock Training Institute.
Governor Dr. Julius Malombe and Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke held a high-level meeting to advance the initiatives, both of which were approved by the County Executive on April 9, 2025. Subsequent sensitization and site visits were conducted on May 2, 2025.
The commercial feedlot will be established on a 5,000-acre parcel of land to support prime beef production, while the Kitui Livestock Training Institute, located on 100 acres in Kanyonyoo, will offer specialized training in animal health, livestock production, rangeland management, and value addition.
“These projects are aligned with our broader vision of revitalizing the livestock value chain and creating sustainable economic opportunities for our people,” said PS Mueke. “Kitui’s strategic location makes it an ideal center to serve not just local farmers but also neighboring counties.”
Kitui to Host Major Livestock Projects in National Push to Boost Sector’s GDP
The institute and feedlot are expected to serve Makueni, Machakos, Wajir, Kwale, Garissa, Mombasa, Taita Taveta, and Lamu counties, offering vital services and capacity building for the broader arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) region.
Nationally, the government has embarked on establishing livestock training institutes in counties including Migori, Nandi Hills, and Baringo. Feedlot programs have also been initiated in Baringo, Meru, and Wajir, focusing on enhancing animal nutrition, improving breeds, and strengthening overall animal health.
The overarching goal is to increase the livestock sector’s contribution to the national GDP from the current 12% to 20%, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
Governor Malombe expressed optimism about the potential impact of the projects, saying they would create jobs, promote agribusiness, and support food security in Kitui and beyond.
