Mapping Kenya’s livestock routes: The arteries of dryland pastoral economy

Kenya has taken a landmark step in strengthening its livestock sector and advancing regional integration through the first-ever mapping of its national livestock routes.

In May 2025, the Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises (SPARC) project, together with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Centre for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development, convened a three-day national livestock route mapping forum in Nairobi.

Hosted in collaboration with the State Department for Livestock Development and led technically by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the event brought together 55 experts drawn from all 47 counties, government officials, private sector actors and regional bodies.

The forum systematically charted Kenya’s vital migratory corridors, grazing areas, water points, markets and infrastructure that underpin livestock mobility.

It marked the first time Kenya has translated community knowledge of livestock pathways into comprehensive, authoritative digital maps.

These maps will be integrated into the country’s National Livestock Market Information System, providing producers, traders and policymakers with accurate, timely information.

View original article

Photo: Livestock waiting to drink at a traditional deep well source at Garba Tulla, Isiolo, Kenya (ILRI/Fiona Flintan)

Curated by Tezira Lore, Communication Officer, ILRI