PS Mueke: We are not importing wild buffaloes from national parks

Kenya's livestock principal secretary, Jonathan Mueke, defended the government's plan to import domesticated water buffaloes from India, rejecting claims that wild buffaloes found in national parks would be brought into the country. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Mueke clarified that the government was focusing on a specific breed known as the Murrah buffalo, which is renowned for its high butterfat milk content.

This breed, when imported from India, could significantly benefit Kenya's dairy, meat, and leather industries. Mueke noted that the Murrah buffalo's milk has a high butterfat content, enabling the production of premium dairy products such as butter, cheese, yoghurt, ghee, ice cream, and chocolate. This could enable dairy processors to diversify their offerings and access markets for high-value dairy goods.

Additionally, he highlighted the meat from water buffaloes as being leaner than conventional beef, although potentially tougher. The larger hides of these animals could also contribute to Kenya's leather industry, particularly in manufacturing products requiring larger pieces of leather, such as sofas and carpets. The government's interest in water buffaloes stemmed from a visit to India, where officials observed the domestication practices.

The process of importing these animals has already begun with the gazetting of water buffaloes as a food item in January 2025, following consultations with veterinary officials from Kenya and India. This step enables the establishment of a framework for the safe consumption of their milk and meat. The government is also navigating through the necessary sanitary and regulatory procedures before the animals can be introduced into the country.

While the proposal has sparked debate among Kenyans, Mueke remains optimistic about the potential benefits for Kenya's livestock and manufacturing sectors. He emphasized that the domesticated water buffalo's suitability for local conditions and production potential would be further evaluated.