The Kisii County Government has unveiled a subsidized Artificial Insemination (AI) service to improve dairy breeds for increased production.

Dairy farmers will now access the service at a cost of KShs.500 down from the current cost of KShs.3, 000 charged by private service providers. Farmers will access this service through AI technicians stationed in each of the 45 wards.

Speaking during the launch at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre, Governor James Ongwae said breed improvement was necessary to increase productivity and control animal diseases.

“Our dairy farmers currently face many challenges including high cost of semen and exploitation by unscrupulous AI service providers. Following a needs assessment and public participation, we have come up with this subsidized AI programme to increase productivity and boost returns for farmers,” said Ongwae.

He said the subsidized price per insemination will increase yields and income for the farmers hence better livelihoods. He noted that his government is committed to improving dairy breeds noting that the County’s milk production was low.

The Governor called on farmers to shun the culture of using bulls for breeding saying this contributed to the spread of diseases.

“We are committed to improve livestock production and veterinary services in the County. I call on farmers to monitor the programme to ensure it meets the intended objectives. All a farmer needs to do is to monitor their animals and contact the ward AI service provider who will be available on call 24 hours a day for consultation and service,” said Governor Ongwae.

He said all served animals will be tagged at a subsidized cost of KShs.100 per head followed by registration of their progeny in the Kenya Stud Book. He warned service providers against offering the service outside the programme area.

Between 1966 and 1990 before AI services were privatized, the Kenyan Government subsidized AI services leading to growth in the dairy sector. Privation of the service led to a drastic drop in inseminations due to high costs.

During the function, the Governor launched solar conduction dryers for processing fruits and vegetables. The 45 dryers were acquired by the County Government in collaboration with the Kisii University and are capable of drying 60 bunches of bananas per week weighing 60 kilos each which translates to 3,600 kilos of fresh bananas.

CEC for Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative Development Vincent Sagwe and Chief Officer Samuel Mogeni flanked the Governor.