The kenya animal genetic resource centre KAGRC is keen to carry out in capacity building for staff in the county to enhance livestock production.
Speaking in Iten Town on Monday during a courtesy call to Governor’s office, the agency managing director Dr. Benadatte Misoi said her team was checking on the progress of breeding services within the county.
According to department of Agriculture and Livestock, Elgeyo Marakwet County is home to a population of slightly over 235,000 dairy cattle and crossbreeds, 30,000 dairy goats and 130,000 meat goats.
CEC for Agriculture and Livestock production Edwin Seroney in his brief said Elgeyo Marakwet has carried out 21,000 inseminations resulting in about 12,000 calves.
Some of the challenges in the undertaking Seroney said included insufficient funds, shortage of Liquid Nitrogen and inadequate AI personnel.
To mitigate these challenges the County sought to work through cooperatives with a view to revising charges for the services.
KAGRIC in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the regional government will carry out capacity building for the already registered inseminators and sponsor some selected ones for more specialized goat insemination.
Through the MOU the County will be assured of more reliable and subsidised supply of Semen and Liquid Nitrogen of highest quality and proven genetics.
Deputy Governor H.E. Prof. Grace Cheserek who received the team on behalf of the County boss appreciated the agency for the donation of Magic 50 Jersey Semen to the County to serve the Jersey farmers which underscore a strategic approach to promoting improved genetics.
The partnership with KAGRC not only aim to improve breeding practices but also focus on sensitising farmers through extension officers, said Professor.
Also present were County Veterinary director Faith Koima and Kelcop County Coordinator Dorothy Bomet among other staff.
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