The beef industry in Kenya is the largest contributor to livestock value added products as well as a major contributor to income and employment. Its contribution to societal welfare is particularly relevant in the rangelands, where beef production is the main economic activity. The four major beef production systems in Kenya are pastoralism, ranching, agro-pastoralism systems, and feedlots (FAO, 2017). Feedlotting is one of the initiatives, being promoted through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to cushion the pastoralists from perennial livestock losses, avail sufficient feeds and water, and access high-end and export markets for both live animals and meat. Currently the feedlot system is under-developed and faces challenges that affect returns; lack of stratification of production, high capital investment and low technical skills in feedlot management, limited availability of suitable feed due to competition for grains and long finishing times of up to 12 months in feedlots with poor productivity. The success of the BETA agenda will contribute to increased productivity, reduced livestock losses, increased incomes, and restored rangelands. At least 450 feedlots are to be established, one in each identified ward, to support at least 10 cooperatives, create employment for livestock extensionists/advisors/ service providers and entrepreneurs in the value chain using the best technologies and innovations. Pastoralists will have guaranteed market for their livestock and the reduced stocking pressure will facilitate recovery of rangelands.
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