Kenya Exports 50 Ayrshire Cows to Nigeria, Marking Milestone in Intra-African Trade

In a significant boost to East-West African trade relations, Kenya has airlifted 50 in-calf Ayrshire heifers to Nigeria’s South-West region, Ogun State. This shipment symbolises growing collaboration in livestock trade between the two countries.

The cattle, transported via Kenya’s Eldoret International Airport, are in-calf Ayrshire heifers, young, pregnant female cows prized for their high-quality dairy and beef production. Although originally native to Scotland, these heifers are bred in Kenya’s renowned dairy hub, Uasin Gishu County, reflecting the region’s advanced livestock practices.

The shipment marks a historic milestone as the first airlift of livestock directly from a Kenyan county to Nigeria, highlighting the increasing role of intra-African trade in agricultural development.

At the flag-off ceremony held on July 25, Abraham Kiptalam, Chief Officer for Agriculture and Livestock Development in Uasin Gishu, emphasised the economic impact of the trade.

Our farmers are realising maximum profits through international trade, a true testament to our sustained investment in livestock development, he said.

Dr. Sylvestere Malel, Director of Kinanie Agrovet Suppliers Ltd., a leading distributor of cattle health supplements and agro-products, praised the shipment as evidence of the robustness of Kenya’s veterinary systems and the dedication of local farmers.

Governor Jonathan Bii attributed the success to the county’s Nguzo Kumi agenda, which includes innovative practices such as artificial insemination, a technique that involves introducing sperm into the cow’s reproductive tract to achieve pregnancy without natural mating, and the modernisation of cattle dips to combat tick-borne diseases.

As Nigeria continues to struggle with a dairy production deficit and heavy dependence on imported powdered milk, this livestock import is a crucial step towards self-sufficiency. Farmers and agribusiness experts in Ogun State have expressed optimism about the future of dairy farming, with ongoing cross-breeding initiatives to improve local herds.

This collaboration emphasises the growing potential of intra-African trade to enhance agricultural productivity and economic empowerment across the continent.

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Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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