The livestock industry plays a significant role in the economic growth and in the livelihoods of the people of Kenya . The sub-sector contributes 10% the Country’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) and 40% of the total agricultural GDP. In the Arid and Semi Arid Lands , (ASAL) areas o the country which occupy 80% of the land surface and hold 75% of the livestock population, the livestock sector accounts for 90% employment and more that 95% of family incomes. In the remaining 20 % of the Country, livestock provides employment to more than 50% of the agricultural labour force. In both areas, livestock provides substantial ray material for the local dairy, meat, hides and skins wool and hair processing industries.

The livestock population is currently estimated at 29 million chicken, 9 million beef cattle, 3.5 million dairy cattle,  11 million goats, 8 million sheep, 850,000 camels, 520 donkeys, and 330,000 pigs and 470,00 rabbits. This resource provides the country with the much needed animal proteins. In addition, there are other animal resource including bees, fish, cats, dogs, emerging livestock and numerous wildlife species.

The Department of Veterinary Services is an indispensable development service in the livestock industry. Its role is to provide efficient veterinary services for production of safe and high quality animal, animal production and by-products and promote trade and industrial growth in a sustainable environment has contributed greatly in the success of the livestock industry.

However, in the late 1980’s the services offered by the Department started to decline due to budgetary constraints and implementation of structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs). The SAPs recommended privatization, commercialization, cost recovery and sharing.  This resulted in the handing-over the tick control to communities, while both artificial insemination and clinical services were privatized beginning 1991.

For the last 4 to 5 years, the Government has addressed the various challenges encountered by the Department of Veterinary services.  The following are achievements marked by the Department.

The Department has developed its strategic work plan with the aim of improving efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of livestock services. It is a five-year plan that clearly articulates the vision, mission and functions of the department.

Mandate 
 Prevent and control animal diseases and pests to safeguard human health, improve animal welfare, increase livestock productivity, ensure high quality livestock and their products and facilitate domestic and international trade.

Vision
To be a leading national institution and global player in protection of animal and human health, to safeguard environmentally sustainable livestock based livelihoods for food security and wealth creation.

Mission
To provide and facilitate efficient veterinary services for production of safe and high quality animals, animal products and by-products and promote trade and industrial growth in a sustainable environment.
In addition, the Department has been restructured for more efficient of delivery of services through focus on core functions, elimination of overlaps and duplications. The following are achievements of the Department as per Division.