{
  "id": 14365042,
  "title": "Govt reveals first step in Kenya’s plan to introduce dairy buffaloes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/govt-reveals-first-step-in-kenyas-plan-to-introduce-dairy-buffaloes",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-14T03:58:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/govt-reveals-first-step-in-kenyas-plan-to-introduce-dairy-buffaloes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Kenyan government announced its first step towards introducing dairy buffaloes to boost milk production, stating that the initial imports would be used for research on the animals' husbandry requirements, feeding patterns and suitability for local farming conditions before any wider adoption by private farmers. Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke stated that the government would gradually introduce the animals, focusing on understanding their management and potential milk-production benefits for Kenya's dairy industry. He highlighted that these buffaloes are tougher than regular dairy cows and have a higher feed-conversion rate, which could lead to more milk production relative to the feed consumed. Mueke explained that the Murrah breed of domesticated water buffalo, commonly used for commercial milk production in India, is being considered for the programme. This breed is distinct from the African buffaloes found in Kenya's national parks. The plan follows President William Ruto's directive to explore importing improved buffalo and camel breeds as part of efforts to diversify milk production amid supply shortages. The research phase would involve testing the animals on government farms, primarily to assess their feeding needs and husbandry requirements before determining the programme's extension to private farmers. Kenya's dairy sector is currently facing challenges, with formal milk deliveries to processors falling significantly in recent months, contributing to supply pressures. The government is also considering other interventions, such as improving access to animal feeds and supporting dairy farmers. The success of the program would depend on various factors, including the cost of importing the animals and their adaptability to local conditions.",
  "summary": "The government plans to begin importing dairy buffaloes for research on its farms before allowing private farmers to acquire the animals, as Kenya explores alternative ways to increase milk production amid supply shortages. Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke has said the initial imports would be used to study the animals’ husbandry requirements, feeding patterns […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}