Nyandarua County, Kenya —
The Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) will host a major public livestock auction on December 10, 2025, at the Ol Joro Orok Dairy Research Centre (DRC) in Nyandarua County. Scheduled to begin at 10:00 am, the event is expected to attract a large turnout of farmers, breeders, cooperatives, youth agripreneurs, and livestock investors from across the Central Rift and beyond, underscoring the region’s growing interest in improved livestock genetics and sustainable farming.
The auction forms part of KALRO’s long-standing commitment to enhancing Kenya’s livestock sector through research-driven breeding programs. Under its livestock research mandate, KALRO focuses on developing superior dairy and meat breeds that thrive in Kenya’s diverse ecological zones, particularly in high-altitude areas like Nyandarua, which are prone to cold temperatures and require specially adapted animals. By facilitating access to these high-quality animals, the organization ensures that scientific innovations are transferred directly to farmers, supporting improved productivity, resilience, and market competitiveness.
High-Quality Dairy and Sheep Breeds on Offer
Prospective buyers will be able to bid on premium dairy cattle and sheep developed through rigorous research and selective breeding at the Ol Joro Orok centre. Over the years, the facility has earned national recognition for producing robust dairy cows suited for the cold, often frosty conditions of the Aberdare highlands. The breeds are known for their:
- Exceptional milk yield and udder quality
- Strong feed conversion efficiency
- Disease and cold tolerance
- Longevity and ease of management
In addition, the centre’s sheep breeding program has been instrumental in improving meat breeds that mature faster, adapt well to local climate conditions, and provide higher carcass weights—a growing market demand in Kenya’s expanding meat industry.
KALRO’s auctions have consistently drawn positive attention due to the documented reliability of its genetics. Farmers often prefer institutional breeding sources because of the track record of performance, transparent production data, and assurance that animals have been raised under proper herd management protocols.
A Strategic Contribution to Kenya’s Livestock Transformation
Livestock contributes significantly to Kenya’s economy, representing nearly 12% of the national GDP and supporting the livelihoods of millions of households. In highland counties like Nyandarua, dairy farming is a central economic activity, yet farmers often struggle with challenges related to poor genetics, disease outbreaks, and low productivity. KALRO’s research centres—including Ol Joro Orok, Naivasha, Marsabit, and Lanet—play a central role in offering scientific solutions to these persistent bottlenecks.
By organizing public auctions, KALRO directly transfers improved genetic material to farmers, accelerating the national agenda of upgrading local herds and reducing dependence on imported breeds. Agricultural economists emphasize that improved genetics can increase milk production by 20–40%, reduce feed costs per litre of milk, and lower veterinary expenses—key factors in enhancing farmer profitability.
This aligns with Kenya’s broader agricultural transformation strategy and county-level initiatives aiming to strengthen dairy cooperatives, modernize production systems, and unlock opportunities for youth and women agripreneurs.
Driving Inclusion and Strengthening Regional Value Chains
Beyond offering high-quality animals, the auction is expected to contribute to regional value chain development. Youth-led enterprises, women’s groups, and smallholder cooperatives increasingly rely on such events to access foundation breeding stock at competitive prices. Livestock sourced from research institutions tends to command higher market prices for progeny, offering long-term economic benefits for households and producer organizations.
The event also supports:
- Sustainable herd improvement programs
- Expansion of artificial insemination services
- Improvement of local milk supply chains
- Strengthening of meat value chains in Nyandarua, Nakuru, and Laikipia
Local county governments often partner with KALRO to promote these innovations as part of their agricultural extension strategies.
Event Logistics and Participation
Farmers are encouraged to arrive early on auction day to allow ample time for registration and thorough inspection of animals before the bidding process begins. KALRO officials will be on-site to guide participants, share breed histories, provide health records, and answer questions related to animal management and expected performance.
For additional details regarding the livestock inventory, documentation requirements, or other logistical arrangements, interested participants may contact the Ol Joro Orok Dairy Research Centre directly at +254 710 854 357.