KAGRC to Import, As Private Investors Eye Opportunities in Murrah Buffalo
According to the KAGRC Managing Director Bernadette Misoi, the government will use public research farms, including facilities associated with the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC), to conduct initial trials on imported domesticated water buffaloes.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, led by Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, clarified that Kenya is preparing to import the Murrah breed of domesticated water buffalo under a government-to-government arrangement.
Murrah buffalo on a Brazilian farm.
In a recent media interview, the PS clarified the animals are being introduced to diversify Kenya's dairy sector, counter milk shortages, and provide alternative sources of meat and leather. He further acknowledged that the Murrah breed is highly valued globally for its high butterfat milk content.
The Murrah is a river-type dairy water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) developed in northern India, especially Haryana, Delhi, and neighboring Punjab.
The Livestock Site has learnt KAGRC experts will study Murrah Buffalo husbandry needs, feeding patterns, climate adaptability, and temperament under Kenyan conditions at their facilities.
Future Opportunities
To facilitate the domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) consumption in Kenya, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development officially gazetted the animals as a food animal in Kenya under the Meat Control Act opening opportunities for private farmers and ranches to venture in Murrah Buffalo production.
Murrah Buffalo farm
A letter addressed to leading livestock importer signed by the PS State Department of livestock after expressing interest to support the Government of Kenya in sourcing Murrah elite genetics from India, Thailand or Pakistan directs the global Karoo Livestock SA- Masaku H&L Kenya livestock importers to educate and encourage private farmers, ranches and breeders to venture in Murrah Buffalo farming.
Mr. Henry Kioko, Chief Executive Masaku H& L, had written to formally express interest in partnering with the State Department for Livestock Development requesting to offer technical assistance and network support in sourcing high-yielding domesticated water buffalo genetics optimized for Kenyan farmers.
Mr. Kioko affirms Murrah Buffalo farming provides a sustainable and economical dairy model because these animals convert low-quality and coarse forages into high-yield, rich-fat milk much more efficiently than standard dairy cattle like Friesians and Jersey.
Mr. Kioko further discloses that he is currently working with two local and a Pakistan investor interested in setting up a Murrah Buffalo breeding, meat and milk production farm in Kenya.
