Every cow, sheep and goat to get traceable tag under new gov't plan

Speaking during the official opening of the Central Kenya National Show 2026 in Nyeri, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the system will give each animal a traceable identity, making it harder for stolen livestock to be moved through markets and sold without detection.

Under the programme, cattle will be fitted with distinctive yellow ANITRAC ear tags, which will also allow authorities to track animals through the livestock value chain.

Kagwe warned that livestock owners and traders found with animals without the required identification will have to account for them, while those who deliberately remove the tags could face arrest.

“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 stated.

The system is also expected to help authorities trace livestock during disease outbreaks, improve food safety and provide information required to access international markets.

The tagging programme is being rolled out alongside the government's national livestock vaccination campaign, which has so far covered more than 20 million cattle, sheep and goats.

 Kagwe said the government was also working to increase earnings for farmers by improving the quality and marketability of agricultural produce.

He particularly warned avocado and macadamia farmers against harvesting immature produce, saying poor-quality exports could damage Kenya's reputation and hurt farmers' access to lucrative international markets.

The government, he said, would support farmers with quality planting material, extension services, aggregation and certification while encouraging more processing within producing counties.

“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 stated.

The CS also announced measures targeting the tea and coffee sectors, including the implementation of the Tea Levy Regulations 2026, which introduced a 0.8 per cent levy on tea exports from May 1.

The proceeds are expected to support tea-sector infrastructure, including feeder roads and buying centres, while also promoting value addition and helping Kenyan tea compete in international markets.

In the coffee sector, Kagwe said implementation of the Coffee Act 2026 had entered 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 Agriculture Ministry is finalising the gazettement of the council and chairperson of the Coffee Research and Training Institute.

Kagwe said the reforms should translate into better services and higher returns for coffee farmers through improved research, extension services, planting materials, cooperatives and access to high-value markets.

The government is also targeting the dairy sector, with plans to expand milk cooling facilities, promote fodder production and lower the cost of livestock feeds.

Kagwe said subsidised sexed semen was being offered at between Ksh.1,000 and Ksh.1,500 per dose at supported service points, compared with commercial prices that can reach Ksh.8,000 or more.

He said improved livestock genetics, better milk preservation and lower feed costs would help farmers increase production while reducing losses.

On crops, the CS said the government would continue supporting farmers through subsidised fertiliser, certified seed and measures aimed at protecting agriculture from extreme weather.

These include early-warning systems, water harvesting, drainage, crop insurance and improved pest and disease surveillance.

Kagwe said any future maize imports would only be considered where a verified deficit exists and would be limited to specific periods to avoid pushing up the cost of maize flour while protecting local farmers.

The government is also seeking to reduce post-harvest losses by improving drying, storage and aggregation, as well as access to market information.

Kagwe challenged young people and women to pursue opportunities beyond primary farming, pointing to agriculture-related businesses in technology, mechanisation, finance, transport, processing, branding and exports.

“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 stated.