KAGWE’S WARNING TO CATTLE RUSTLERS: NO TAG, NO HIDING — EVERY COW, SHEEP AND GOAT TO BE TRACEABLE
By faith wamboi
The Government has announced a nationwide livestock identification drive that will require every cow, sheep and goat in Kenya to carry an Animal Identification and Traceability (ANITRAC) tag, in a major push to combat cattle rustling, strengthen disease surveillance and improve the safety and traceability of livestock products.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe said every cow will receive a distinctive yellow ANITRAC ear tag, giving each animal a traceable identity and making it harder for stolen livestock to be transported or sold undetected.
Kagwe issued a stern warning to cattle rustlers and livestock dealers who may attempt to defeat the system by removing the tags.
“Every cow will have a yellow ANITRAC tag. If you are found with cattle without the tag, you must explain to the police. If somebody has cattle whose ears have been cut off, the police should arrest that person,” Kagwe said.
The CS said the traceability system will go beyond fighting livestock theft, enabling authorities and industry players to track animals throughout the livestock value chain while strengthening disease surveillance and helping Kenya meet international requirements on animal origin, health, food safety and traceability.
The rollout comes alongside the national livestock vaccination programme, with more than 20 million cattle, sheep and goats already vaccinated across the country.
Kagwe spoke during the official opening of the Central Kenya National Show 2026 in Nyeri, where he outlined a broader Government agenda aimed at transforming agriculture, increasing farmer incomes and expanding Kenya’s access to premium local and international markets.
AVOCADO AND MACADAMIA FARMERS WARNED
The CS also announced increased Government support for avocado and macadamia farmers through improved planting materials, extension services, aggregation, certification and market access.
He warned farmers and traders against harvesting and selling immature produce, saying poor-quality exports damage Kenya’s reputation and ultimately hurt farmers.
“A farmer who sells a quality product into a well-organised market should earn more than a farmer who is forced to sell early to a middleman,” Kagwe said.
The Government, he added, will strengthen aggregation and certification while encouraging more local processing to ensure producing counties retain greater value, jobs and income.
NEW TEA LEVY TO FUND SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
On tea, Kagwe said the Tea Levy Regulations, 2026, which took effect on May 1, provide for a 0.8 per cent levy on tea exports.
The proceeds are intended to support tea-sector infrastructure, including feeder roads and buying centres, while helping protect Kenyan tea from unfair competition and promoting value addition.
Kagwe said farmers should ultimately see tangible benefits through improved infrastructure, stronger markets, better buying centres and increased returns.
He said Kenya must increasingly move beyond bulk tea exports towards branding, packaging, blending and other forms of value addition.
COFFEE REFORMS ENTER OPERATIONAL PHASE
The CS said implementation of the Coffee Act, 2026 is moving into the operational phase following the establishment of the Coffee Board of Kenya and the Coffee Research and Training Institute.
President William Ruto appointed Henry Gichuhi Kinyua as Non-Executive Chairperson of the Coffee Board on September 4, while the Ministry is finalising the gazettement of the Council and Chairperson of the Coffee Research and Training Institute.
Kagwe said the reforms must translate into tangible benefits for coffee farmers through transparent systems, quality planting materials, reliable research and extension services, stronger cooperatives and access to high-value markets.
DAIRY FARMERS TO GET CHEAPER INPUTS
The Government is also expanding support for dairy farmers through additional milk coolers, fodder production and conservation programmes and efforts to reduce the cost of quality livestock feeds.
Kagwe said subsidised sexed semen is now available at approximately KSh1,000–1,500 per dose at supported service points, compared with commercial prices that can reach KSh8,000 or more.
The Government expects improved genetics, reduced milk losses and lower feed costs to help dairy households increase production and retain more income.
GOVERNMENT DEFENDS STRATEGIC MAIZE IMPORTS
Kagwe reaffirmed Government support for subsidised fertiliser, certified seed and other farm inputs, alongside investments in early-warning systems, water harvesting, drainage, pest and disease surveillance, crop insurance and the pre-positioning of agricultural inputs.
He said any maize imports undertaken in response to a verified deficit would be strategic, time-bound and carefully managed, with the aim of protecting consumers from excessive unga prices without undermining local farmers.
The Government is also prioritising improved drying, storage, aggregation and access to market information to reduce post-harvest losses and prevent farmers from being forced into distress sales.
YOUTH AND WOMEN URGED TO ENTER AGRIBUSINESS
Kagwe challenged young people and women to look beyond primary farming and tap opportunities in agricultural technology, mechanisation, aggregation, finance, transport, processing, branding, marketing and exports.
He said Kenya’s agricultural transformation must ultimately be judged by its impact on farmers and households.
“The success of agricultural transformation will not be measured only by the policies we announce. It will be measured by whether the farmer earns more, families access affordable food, young people find opportunity and our products compete successfully in local and international markets,” Kagwe said.
With the ANITRAC rollout, the Government is betting on technology and traceability to tackle livestock theft while positioning Kenya’s livestock sector for stronger disease control, better food safety and access to premium markets.
