Governor calls for optimal use of resources

BY RENSON MNYAMWEZI

Taita-Taveta, Kenya: Taita-Taveta Governor John Mruttu has said his county has the potential to generate over Sh18 billion annually from the sale of livestock.

Mr Mruttu said despite the county having over 1.2 million acres that is potential for ranching activities, it has not fully utilised the land for livestock production.

“The potential for meat production is high in the county but due to uncontrolled natural resource utilisation, this potential has not been attained,” he said.

Currently, the livestock population stands at 153,000 (beef cattle), sheep and goats at 230,000 and poultry at 650,000.

He said this could be increased to the optimal level through livestock breeding improvement, quality management, disease control and better marketing strategies.

Speaking at Bachuma holding ground when he launched the county livestock multiplication programme, Mruttu challenged ranch management committees to put in place proper natural resources management practices so as to reap maximum benefits from their investment.

“Where communal grazing takes place, efforts should be made to institutionalise involvement of the community in the planning, development of range and pasture rehabilitation packages,” he said.

Mruttu said the livestock sector is set to flourish following a move by his administration to purchase quality grade bulls and cows to boost production.

He said his administration has so far spent more than Sh8 million to purchase 78 heads of boran and sahiwai breed of cattle and 90 gala goats from upcountry to enhance livestock production in the region.