As Nigeria moves to ban open grazing under President Tinubu, Kenya's own livestock sector faces a moment of truth: Modernize or perish.

In a compelling op-ed, Mukhtar Ya'u Madobi argues that Nigeria's push for ranching is not optional—it is a matter of national security. President Tinubu's recent directive to transform grazing zones into modern ranches aims to end the deadly farmer-herder conflicts. But this is not just a West African story. It is a mirror reflecting Kenya's own urgent need for reform.

Here in East Africa, the pastoralist economy is under siege from climate change. The drought of 2024 wiped out millions of cattle, proving that the traditional nomadic model is no longer sustainable. Kenya's government, through the DRIVE project (De-risking, Inclusion, and Value Enhancement), is attempting similar reforms, pushing for feedlots and insurance for pastoralists.

The Economic Case

Madobi writes, "Livestock reform is imperative for economic revitalization." He is right. A wandering cow uses energy to walk; a ranched cow uses energy to grow beef. The difference is billions of shillings in export revenue. If Kenya can successfully implement the feedlot systems proposed in the ASAL counties, we could transition from a net importer of milk to a continental powerhouse.

The lessons from Nigeria are clear: Political will is the catalyst. Kenya has the policy (Vision 2030) and the technology. What remains is the courage to transition a centuries-old culture into a modern, profitable industry. The cow of the future does not wander; it grazes with purpose.