The State Department for Livestock Development has raised alarm over a Sh19.6 billion budget cut, warning that it could stall key projects and derail the sector’s progress.
Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock on Wednesday morning, Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke pleaded for an increase in funding for the 2025/2026 financial year.
PS Mueke told the committee, chaired by Tigania West MP Dr. John Mutunga, that the department’s current budget of Sh9.986 billion falls far short of the required Sh29.5 billion.
Out of the approved amount, Sh5.07 billion has been set aside for recurrent expenditure, and Sh4.916 billion for development projects.
“This has created a shortfall of Sh1.714 billion in recurrent expenditure and Sh17.839 billion for development. Without adequate funding, the department cannot effectively carry out its mandate or complete ongoing projects,” PS Mueke said.
He called on the committee to intervene and help raise the budget ceiling to allow for proper implementation of planned activities.
Dr. Mutunga acknowledged the concerns and promised to support the department where possible, though he warned of limited fiscal space.
“We are working in a tough environment and can’t promise much, but we will try. However, it’s important for the department to fully utilize whatever funds are allocated,” he said.
Among the projects likely to be affected by the budget shortfall include the finalization of the Livestock Master Plan, distribution of milk coolers in counties under the Livestock Value Chain Support Project, and training of players in the hides and skins sector through the Hides, Skins, and Leather Fund.
Committee Vice-Chairperson and Konoin MP Brighton Yegon questioned why the department had not followed up on already distributed milk coolers. He noted that many had become obsolete because farmers could not afford the high cost of running the diesel-powered generators.
Borabu MP Patrick Osero supported the Vice-Chair’s sentiments, saying that without the Livestock Master Plan, the country continues to operate without clear research or data to guide investments in the sector.
In response, PS Mueke admitted that many of the milk coolers and dryers previously distributed are outdated. He said the department had now deployed internal auditors to verify infrastructure in the counties before new equipment is issued.
“The new milk coolers will be solar-powered to cut down on running costs,” he said.
Wajir West MP Farah Yussuf raised concern about the lack of budget allocation for the newly established Livestock Marketing Board. He asked whether any efforts had been made to fund it.
The PS confirmed that while the department had requested funds for the board, no allocation had been made so far.
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