{
  "id": 14365043,
  "title": "PS Mueke: Buffaloes eat less but produce more milk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/ps-mueke-buffaloes-eat-less-but-produce-more-milk",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-14T03:44:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/news/ps-mueke-buffaloes-eat-less-but-produce-more-milk"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke revealed that the government intends to import water buffaloes from India for dairy production, citing their hardiness in harsh conditions, lower feed consumption, and higher milk production. During an interview on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Mueke explained that these buffaloes could serve as an alternative to conventional dairy cows, particularly in light of persistent drought and difficulties in accessing animal feeds. He emphasized that buffalo consume less feed and generate higher milk yields compared to traditional dairy cows. Mueke acknowledged concerns regarding food and water scarcity and stated that the government must establish a sustainable feeding plan before introducing the animals to local farmers. The initial phase of the project will involve importing a small number of buffaloes for research at a government farm, in collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), which specializes in agricultural and livestock research, including animal genetics. Mueke expressed confidence in the animals' ability to adapt to Kenya's climate, stating that India shares similar climatic conditions with the country. The government aims to have the first batch of water buffaloes in Kenya by the end of 2026, with further decisions contingent on the outcomes of the research phase. The proposal has received mixed reactions from Kenyans, with opposition leaders criticizing the government's priorities amid a milk shortage. They accused the government of diverting attention from the dairy sector's challenges, such as the high cost of animal feeds, which they attribute to excessive taxation. They argue that increased feed costs have raised milk prices and hindered farmers' ability to sustain production, urging the government to prioritize affordable animal feeds and local milk production before introducing the buffaloes.",
  "summary": "Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke has shed light on the controversial plan to import water buffaloes from India for dairy production, citing their ability to withstand harsh conditions, consume less feed and produce more milk. Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Mueke said the animals could offer […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "People Daily Kenya",
        "title": "PS Mueke: We are not importing wild buffaloes from national parks",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/ps-mueke-we-are-not-importing-wild-buffaloes-from-national-parks",
        "published": "2026-10-14T04:45:09.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}