The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, through the State Department of Livestock, is set to launch a new livestock identification and traceability system designed to improve the tracking of livestock in Kenya. The initiative, known as Anitrack, aims to ensure greater transparency in the livestock industry and meet global market demands for the traceability of food products.
The system will require livestock owners to register their animals, providing information on their breed, productivity, and geographical origins. This will help track livestock products from the farm to the market, ensuring that consumers have access to information about the origins of their food. According to Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke, the system has been in development for over 20 years, although its implementation has faced several challenges. The new initiative aims to address growing global demands for transparency in food sourcing.
One of the key benefits of the Anitrack system is its potential to improve financial access for farmers. By registering their livestock, farmers will be able to use their animals as collateral for loans. The system will provide banks and insurance companies with essential information about each animal, such as breed, vaccination history, and age. This data can increase the value of livestock, turning them into valuable assets that farmers can leverage for financial support.
A standout feature of the system is the inclusion of GPS-enabled air tags for each animal, which will help reduce cattle theft. The tags will make it easier to track stolen livestock, making them less appealing to thieves. Additionally, the system will allow for the electronic transfer of ownership when selling livestock, further enhancing security.
While participation in the system is not mandatory, officials from the Ministry of Agriculture stress that it offers significant benefits for farmers. The system’s roll-out will include public participation to ensure that its implementation meets the needs of livestock owners across the country.
