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 for both dairy and meat production.
This auction is part of KALRO’s long-standing commitment to strengthening Kenya’s livestock sector through research-driven breeding programs. Under its livestock research mandate, KALRO focuses on developing superior dairy and meat animals suited to Kenya’s diverse ecological zones—particularly high-altitude regions like Nyandarua, which demand breeds with strong cold tolerance, resilience, and efficient productivity. By making these animals publicly accessible, KALRO ensures that scientific innovations directly reach farmers, driving improved yields and market competitiveness.
High-Quality Dairy Cattle and Meat Sheep Breeds on Offer
Buyers will have access to premium dairy cattle and meat-purpose sheep breeds—the latter specifically suited for slaughter and meat production, not breeding for wool or dairy traits.
Dairy Animals
The Ol Joro Orok dairy program is nationally recognized for developing robust dairy cows optimized for the Aberdare highlands’ cold climate. These cattle are characterized by:
- Exceptional milk yield and udder quality
- High feed conversion efficiency
- Strong disease and cold tolerance
- Longevity and ease of management
Meat Sheep Breeds (For Slaughter)
The sheep offered at this auction are specifically selected for meat markets, targeting farmers, butchers, cooperatives, hotels, and processors who require animals for slaughter rather than breeding. These meat-purpose sheep are valued for:
- Fast growth rates and early maturity
- High carcass weight and dressing percentage
- Adaptation to local temperatures and feed systems
- Consistent performance under research-grade management
This clarification ensures buyers understand that the sheep lot is optimized for meat production, meeting rising demand in Kenya’s expanding mutton and goat-meat economy.
KALRO’s reputation for reliable, well-documented genetics continues to draw buyers nationwide. Institutional livestock sources are often preferred due to performance records, transparent management practices, and guaranteed health standards.
A Strategic Contribution to Kenya’s Livestock Transformation
Livestock contributes nearly 12% of Kenya’s national GDP and supports millions of households. In dairy-strong counties such as Nyandarua, improving herd genetics remains a critical challenge as farmers continue to grapple with low productivity, disease pressures, and poor-quality breeding stock.
Research centres like Ol Joro Orok, Naivasha, Marsabit, and Lanet are central to bridging these gaps through:
- Improved dairy genetics
- Enhanced meat breeds
- Disease-resilient lines
- Cold-tolerant livestock solutions
Livestock economists note that access to superior genetics can increase milk production by 20–40%, reduce veterinary and feed costs, and boost overall farm profitability—contributing directly to Kenya’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Driving Inclusion and Strengthening Regional Value Chains
This auction is more than a sales event—it is a catalyst for inclusive value chain development. Youth and women groups, cooperatives, and emerging agripreneurs increasingly rely on KALRO auctions to secure foundation stock with high economic returns.
The event supports:
- Growth of sustainable herd improvement programs
- Expansion of artificial insemination and reproduction services
- Strengthening of dairy and meat value chains across Nyandarua, Nakuru, and Laikipia
- Improved household incomes through higher-value market animals
County governments frequently partner with KALRO to integrate these advancements into their extension and training programs.
Event Logistics and Participation
Farmers and buyers are encouraged to arrive early to allow time for registration and thorough inspection of animals before bidding begins. KALRO experts will be available to share:
- Breed histories
- Animal performance records
- Health certifications
- Management recommendations
For more information on the livestock list, documentation requirements, or logistical arrangements, contact the Ol Joro Orok Dairy Research Centre at:
📞 +254 710 854 357