Livestock Bill proposes new fund, research agency to boost sector

On October 20, 2026, Kenya's proposed Livestock Bill aims to bolster the country's livestock industry by creating a dedicated fund, regulatory bodies, and a separate research agency. The Livestock Sector Transformation Fund would finance development programs, disaster response, trade, and agro-processing, with its administration overseen by the Principal Secretary for livestock development.

The bill also aims to establish the Livestock Inputs and Products Regulatory Authority, which would replace the National Livestock Development and Promotion Service and regulate animal feeds, equipment, and genetic resources. Additionally, the bill proposes the creation of the Kenya Livestock Research Organization, which would provide a dedicated framework for livestock research, and the Livestock and Livestock Products Marketing Board, responsible for market intelligence, trade promotion, export financing, and infrastructure development.

The bill also aims to replace the Kenya Leather Development Council with the Kenya Leather Development Authority, which would regulate the leather value chain, develop industrial parks, and support SMEs. These measures are being proposed as Kenya seeks to increase the commercial value of livestock production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where pastoralism contributes significantly to household incomes and livelihoods.