In an effort to enhance to enhance the country’s dairy production through high-quality livestock imports, Nigeria has airlifted 50 in‑calf Ayrshire heifers—a high-yield dairy breed originating from Scotland—from Uasin Gishu County in Kenya, marking the region’s first livestock export to Nigeria.
According to The Guardian, the Ayrshire is a breed of dairy cattle that originated in and is named after the county of Ayrshire in south-western Scotland. The cows are typically recognised by their distinctive red and white markings, with the red colouration varying from a light orange to a deep brown.
The airlifted heifers, which arrived from Eldoret International Airport in Kenya, were sourced by Kinanie Agrovet Suppliers and represent the first-ever livestock export from the Kenyan county to Nigeria.
According to Kenya News Agency (KNA), the development is being hailed as a milestone in East-West African agricultural cooperation and livestock trade. The import is expected to boost Nigeria’s dairy sector by improving the genetic quality of local herds and enhancing milk productivity, especially as federal and state governments continue to pursue livestock transformation initiatives in line with the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).
Dr. Sylvester Malel, Director of Kinanie Agrovet Suppliers Ltd., the KNA said, confirmed the successful shipment and revealed growing international interest in Uasin Gishu’s livestock from across Africa and the Middle East. “These heifers met stringent international health and production standards, reflecting the strength of Uasin Gishu County’s veterinary infrastructure and the commitment by local farmers,” KNA quoted Malel as saying. Nigerian agricultural stakeholders are reportedly optimistic about the potential impact of the high-yield dairy breed on local production, especially in states where dairy investment and ranching projects are underway.
The shipment is also being closely monitored by Kenyan authorities, who have framed the export as part of a broader strategy to modernise agriculture and transform Uasin Gishu into a regional livestock hub.Eng. Abraham Kiptalam, Chief Officer for Agriculture and Livestock Development in Uasin Gishu, explained that this reflects the county government’s dedication to modernizing livestock production and promoting a business-oriented approach to farming among local farmers.
Kiptalam noted that the initiative supports Governor Jonathan Bii’s Nguzo Kumi agenda, which includes expanding access to international markets through investment in breeding services, disease control infrastructure, and extension support.“Continued investment in livestock development by the county government aligns with the Governor’s goal to make Uasin Gishu a regional hub for livestock breeding and international trade through a modern, farmer-focused approach to agriculture,” he added in the KNa’s report.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed, Head of Veterinary Services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, praised the county’s strict adherence to export protocols, noting that such compliance ensures safe trade and protects animal health across borders. The transaction is likely to encourage further collaboration between Nigerian agribusinesses and East African livestock exporters, as Nigeria looks to close its dairy production deficit and reduce reliance on milk powder imports. With more countries expressing interest in sourcing high-yield dairy breeds from Kenya, agricultural analysts believe Nigeria’s latest import could serve as a model for bilateral trade and livestock development across the continent.
