Uhuru opens multi-million shilling semen bank in Sotik

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, June 16 opened a Ksh 125 million Animal Resource Centre at Sotik to boost livestock production as he campaigned to consolidate Jubilee’s support in Bomet County.

The Liquid Nitrogen plant set up by the national government, through the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre, produces 50 litres of the key ingredient for preservation of livestock semen used in artificial insemination. The animal resource centre, which serves 16 counties, including Kericho, Kisii and Migori also operates as a semen bank.

Speaking at the event, President Kenyatta said his administration recognised agriculture as one of the key sectors of the economy and will continue to invest heavily in it.

The President, who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto, pointed out that the new liquid nitrogen plant will ensure that farmers from the region can easily improve their livestock breeds at an affordable price.

“We are implementing all these initiatives because we want to improve production and lift the lives of farmers,” President Kenyatta said.

President Kenyatta said the opening of the liquid nitrogen plant in Sotik heralds a new income-generating opportunity for the youth where they can use motorcycles to supply AI products to farmers.

President Kenyatta said Ksh 80 million has been factored in the budget to upgrade the Kenya Cooperative Creameries factory at Sotik to provide market for dairy farmers.

Other measures include the subsidizing of fertilizer to cost Ksh 1800 down from Ksh 6000 per bag. President has also pledged to further reduce the price of a bag of fertiliser to Ksh 1200 by December.