Livestock farmers in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties are grappling with the far-reaching effects of climate change, as rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns continue to threaten their traditional livelihoods.
Communities that have for decades depended on livestock are now confronting worsening food insecurity, shrinking incomes and growing uncertainty about the future.
Water and pasture scarcity have become common across counties such as Kajiado, Narok and Laikipia. With grazing land diminishing, livestock are increasingly malnourished, and deaths have become more frequent during extended dry spells.
At the same time, the spread of diseases has intensified, compounding the crisis. Competition over limited resources has also fuelled occasional tensions among neighbouring communities.
In January, a fact-finding mission across parts of Machakos and Makueni counties revealed a steady influx of livestock from drought-hit regions.
Herds of cattle were driven long distances in search of pasture and water, highlighting the scale of desperation among pastoralists.
Namanga subcounty police commander Hassan Elema confirmed that cross-border livestock movements between Kenya and Tanzania have increased significantly due to drought conditions on both sides.
He noted that porous sections of the border, particularly around Oloitoktok, have seen herders move animals in search of survival.
Beyond livestock losses, the drought has also disrupted education in ASAL areas. Elema pointed out that some children from pastoralist communities have accompanied their families during migration, affecting school attendance.
This comes even as the government pushes to achieve 100 per cent transition from primary to secondary school.
By January 2026, the Ministry of Education reported a 97 per cent transition rate, with 61 per cent of eligible learners registered in Senior Secondary School. However, pastoral communities remain among the most affected by climate-related disruptions.
Intervention through silage production
Amid the challenges, innovative farming models are emerging to cushion pastoralists against the harsh climate. Ausquest Farm in Kyumbi, Machakos county, has become a critical supplier of silage to livestock farmers across ASAL regions.
Established in 2012 by Stuart Barden, the 3,000-hectare farm specialises in producing high-quality silage that pastoralists purchase to sustain their animals during dry seasons.
William Leposo, a livestock farmer from Mashuru in Kajiado county, said reduced rainfall had forced him to seek alternative feed sources.
Having moved part of his herd to Kambu, Kiboko and Masimba in neighbouring Makueni county, he relies on silage from Ausquest Farm to maintain milk-producing cows left at home.
“We depend on silage because grass is scarce. Without it, productivity would decline sharply,” he said.
Joseph Olengatunyi from Kajiado echoed similar concerns. He noted that drought has slashed livestock prices, with cows that previously sold for between Sh60,000 and Sh70,000 now fetching nearly half that amount.
Supplementing available forage with silage has become essential to maintaining the value and health of livestock.
Samson Mutuku, a farm worker at Ausquest, said the silage is produced from sorghum developed through advanced research. Rich in proteins and carbohydrates, the feed enhances milk production and accelerates weight gain.
A cow can consume up to 600 kilogrammes of silage monthly, with each kilogramme priced at Sh15. Bales typically weigh between 500 and 700 kilogrammes.
Modern cattle bomas for resilience
Beyond feed production, investment in improved livestock infrastructure is helping farmers adapt to changing conditions.
Through Ausafrica Fencing Limited, modern stainless steel cattle bomas are being supplied to pastoralists to enhance disease and pest control, reduce theft and boost productivity.
Unlike permanent concrete structures, these modular bomas are designed for flexibility. They can be dismantled and relocated without heavy machinery, making them suitable for rotational grazing and seasonal farm planning.
Anchored firmly yet removable without damaging the land, they reflect a shift toward adaptive farming systems that respond to environmental pressures.
Climate-smart seeds in a changing environment
Crop farming innovations are also supporting resilience efforts. Through a partnership with Pure Seeds E A Limited, Ausquest Farm grows certified, drought-tolerant seed varieties developed to withstand unpredictable weather conditions.
Among the varieties gaining popularity is the Nyota bean, known for early maturity and resilience. Capable of yielding between eight and 12 bags per acre under proper management, the variety matures within 75 to 80 days — an advantage in regions with shortened and unreliable rainy seasons.
According to farm worker Fidel Bradley, Nyota beans are rich in iron and micronutrients that support blood formation and immunity, while their high fibre content aids digestion.
They also cook faster than traditional varieties, reducing firewood and charcoal consumption in areas where fuel resources are scarce.
The farm grows the beans under full dry-land conditions without irrigation, demonstrating their adaptability. Seeds are packaged in various quantities and distributed directly to farmers or through agrovet outlets, expanding access to climate-smart options.
Planning over chance
As climate shocks become more frequent, farmers across ASAL counties are increasingly turning to strategic decisions rather than reactive measures.
Silage production, certified seeds and flexible livestock infrastructure are proving to be practical tools in mitigating risk and stabilising productivity.
With food security, rural incomes and sustainable land management at stake, investments in planning and research-driven solutions are reshaping agriculture in drought-prone regions.
In the face of intensifying climate pressures, it is these deliberate, forward-looking strategies that may define the future of livestock and crop farming in Kenya’s ASAL counties.
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