Mutahi Kagwe’s Declaration of Water Buffalo as Food Raises Critical Questions

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe decision to declare domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) as a food animal has attracted the attention of the Senate.

Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma is seeking a statement from the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries regarding the move.

In the Statement, the Committee should provide justification for the declaration of domesticated water buffalo as a food animal.

The committee must determine whether officials followed due process in declaring the water buffalo a food animal.

It must also confirm if statistical data supported this classification.

Additionally, the committee must assess whether the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development allowed public participation in the decision.

Senator Mumma further wants the committee to provide details on the involvement of the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) in research leading to the declaration disclosing the period and findings of the research as well as the participating farm.

The Committee should report on the availability of sustainable supply of domesticated water buffalo in Kenya, stating their current population and the projected annual population growth.

Further, the committee is expected to explain the economic viability of the animal as a local food source and its potential contribution to Kenya’s food security and the broader national economy.

Also Read: Farmers to Show Vaccination Certificate Before Moving Livestock

Mutahi Kagwe’s Declaration

Kagwe officially declared the domesticated water buffalo as a food animal in a gazette notice dated January 31.

The CS explained that the decision is in accordance with Section 2 of the Meat Control Act.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 2 of the Meat Control Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development declares the domesticated water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) as a food animal for the purposes of the Act,” read part of the notice. 

The declaration now allows the water buffalo to be raised, slaughtered, and processed for meat, in line with the provisions of the Act.

Also Read: Mutahi Kagwe Declares Water Buffalo Food for Human Consumption in Kenya

What is a Water Buffalo

The domesticated water buffalo, primarily found in rural areas and traditionally used for draught and milk purposes, will now be recognized as a legitimate source of meat.

Water Buffalo is a different breed from the one which is seen in national parks.

The wild ones seen on Safari are called Cape Buffalo (also known as southern savanna buffalo).

However, water buffalos are domesticated and mostly found along the Nile and in Asia.

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