Kenya’s Uasin Gishu County has successfully exported 50 high-performing dairy cows to Lagos State, Nigeria, marking a new chapter in the international livestock trade in Africa.
The cows, flown out via a cargo plane from Eldoret International Airport, were selected from top-performing smallholder farms across Uasin Gishu, a region long recognised as the heartbeat of Kenya’s dairy sector.
Announcing the development in a Facebook post, Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim described the export as a “major milestone,” crediting ongoing county investments in livestock quality and farmer support.
“These cows, carefully selected from our smallholder farmers across the County of Champions, are a testament to the strength and potential of our local dairy sector,” said Chelilim in the terse statement posted to his official Facebook page.
While Nigeria is home to one of the largest livestock populations in Africa, the country continues to grapple with low milk yields and underdeveloped dairy genetics. The import of Kenyan dairy breeds, known for their superior milk production, is expected to enhance productivity in Nigeria’s dairy industry.
“This move reflects the results of our continued investment in livestock farming through the rehabilitation of cattle dips, subsidized artificial insemination programs, and enhanced extension services,” Chelilim added.
The export represents a win-win for both countries, Kenyan farmers gain access to a broader market and better incomes, while Nigeria benefits from improved dairy productivity and genetic diversity.
Agricultural experts viewed the deal as more than symbolic as it demonstrates the rising potential of intra-African trade in high-value agricultural commodities and the growing reputation of Kenyan dairy genetics.
“Step by step, we are transforming dairy farming into an income-generating enterprise and opening new markets for our farmers beyond our borders,” Governor Chelilim added.
The export came amid ongoing efforts by Kenya to position itself as a leader in agribusiness innovation and by African governments to deepen regional trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative.
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