Nairobi: The Government has introduced the Animal Identification and Traceability Bill (ANITRAC, 2026), aiming to expand the country's share in regional and international animal markets. This proposed legislation is anticipated to transition the market towards a data-driven economy, incorporating technology, youth empowerment, and adherence to international standards.
According to Kenya News Agency, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Jane Njuguna, highlighted that the system is designed to curb cattle theft and enhance animal health management. Each animal will be tagged with a microchip, revealing information about the owner, the animal's weight, birth date, production levels, and vaccination records when scanned.
ANITRAC, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, will track animals from birth to slaughter. Although its pilot phase commenced on May 22, 2025, full implementation is planned for next month. The system employs RFID tags to monitor animal movements and link ownership, aiming to enhance both local and international trade. A pilot involving 50,000 cattle is currently underway in Laikipia.
During a public participation forum in Nakuru, Dr. Njuguna emphasized that ANITRAC aligns with President William Ruto's vision of modernizing the sector through technology and data-driven strategies. The forum gathered key stakeholders to discuss the legislative framework and gather input on its provisions, ensuring the Bill addresses various issues effectively.
Dr. Njuguna explained that larger animals such as cows, camels, and horses will be registered by the National Registrar, while smaller animals like poultry will be identified by batch numbers. The system aims to strengthen animal health management and control diseases impacting African livestock systems, optimizing interventions to boost productivity in milk and meat sectors.
The initiative, led by the Directorate of Veterinary Services, seeks to revolutionize animal identification, tracking, and management across the country. By providing a centralized source of animal information, ANITRAC will ensure the safety of animal products, boost consumer confidence, and enhance disease control and prevention capabilities.
Dr. Njuguna noted that ANITRAC will improve market transactions, increase animal values, and benefit breeders. Despite high demand for animal products, low productivity remains a challenge. Kenya aims to capture a larger share of Africa's meat market, with plans to target Libya and Nigeria as new export destinations. The Kenya Dairy Board has also adopted a roadmap to nearly double milk output by 2033.
With the livestock sub-sector contributing significantly to Kenya's economy, only a small percentage of beef production currently meets export standards. The digital shift, supported by ANITRAC, will ensure data availability to strengthen production standards and unlock export markets.
Dr. Njuguna stated that ANITRAC's alignment with international traceability standards is crucial for exporting animals. This digital transformation requires new competencies in data management and decision-making, redefining veterinary practice in Kenya.
The launch of ANITRAC represents a transformative step for the agricultural and livestock sectors, aiding stakeholders in monitoring animal health, tracing product origins, and responding swiftly to disease outbreaks. This aligns with global standards for animal product traceability, benefiting farmers, veterinary officers, and traders through increased transparency and streamlined operations.