Farmers line up for Indian dairy buffaloes days after President Ruto’s announcement

Monday, October 19, 2026 Bizna Club Directory SME Awards YEA Awards FacebookTwitterTelegramInstagramLinkedinYoutube NEWS SME AUTO AGRIBUSINESS SAVINGS & INVESTMENT REAL ESTATE EDUCATION IMMIGRATION HEALTH Search PAID CONTENT DIRECTORY JOIN BIZNA CLUB BIZNA @ 10 BIZNA JOBS Farmers line up for Indian dairy buffaloes days after President Ruto’s announcement AGRIBUSINESSLivestock 19th October 2026 By Jane Muia Indian Murrah Buffaloes Share FacebookXPinterestWhatsApp Kenyan farmers have begun placing orders for dairy water buffaloes from India, with about 800 applications already received as the government prepares to introduce the animals into the country’s livestock sector.

Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke said the government has completed veterinary health certification requirements for the proposed imports, with negotiations on purchase prices and transportation arrangements still underway.

Speaking during a television interview on Tuesday, October 13, Mueke said the government will first import Indian Murrah buffaloes for research at public livestock facilities before opening up access to private farmers.

“What we’ve agreed to do is just for research purposes; we will import as a government first for our government farms, especially our genetics organization, KAGRC (the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre), that deals with animal genetics,” Mueke said.

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The initial phase will let researchers assess the breed’s feeding needs, behaviour, and management requirements under Kenyan conditions. According to the PS, the first batch of the animals is expected to arrive in the country by the end of 2026.

Mueke clarified that the planned imports involve domesticated water buffaloes, which are different from the wild African buffaloes found in Kenya’s national parks.

The proposed introduction comes as the government explores alternative livestock species to increase the supply of milk and expand opportunities in meat and leather production.

In January 2025, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture gazetted the water buffalo as a food item. The Ministry says the Murrah breed is valued for its milk, which has a high butterfat content, almost three times that of ordinary cow’s milk.

The breed’s resilience is another factor behind the government’s interest, with Mueke saying the animals could withstand challenging conditions better than conventional dairy cattle.

“These buffaloes are a little more hardy than your normal dairy cow. So, it will be able to survive in harsh conditions,” he said.

Beyond dairy production, the government is also assessing the animals’ potential for meat and leather. Mueke acknowledged that buffalo meat could be tougher than the beef commonly consumed in Kenya but described it as lean, with relatively low fat content.

Their larger hides also are also beneficial to the local leather industry, especially to manufacturers dealing with products requiring sizeable pieces of leather, including sofa coverings and carpets.

The government considers India’s climatic conditions, which Mueke said is comparable to Kenya’s, an advantage in determining whether the breed can adapt successfully to local environments.

Although nearly 800 farmers have expressed interest in acquiring the animals, the Ministry did not clarify when private sales will begin or how the applicants will be selected.

The initiative follows President William Ruto’s announcement that Kenya is considering water buffalo farming as part of broader efforts to boost milk production and diversify the country’s livestock industry.

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