What it takes to import an animal

The Fleckvieh breed that was imported into the country recently. FILE PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE |

What you need to know:

  • The consignment must be accompanied by the original copies of the export and import permits and all other documents.
  • No live animal will be allowed into the country without these certified documents.

Every day, farmers are looking for animal breeds to improve their broods and increase yields.

This is clear from the numerous questions farmers ask on page two of this magazine.

Today I take you through the process of importing a new animal breed into the country.

Step 1: Identify the breed of choice, country of origin and the farm or company to source from.

The breeder should be authenticated to avoid purchase of genetically compromised animals.

The breed should further be disease-free. Advise on the total number of animals that you want to import.

Step 2: Visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries and obtain an import permit application form free of charge and fill it accurately.

The application form requires that one has a Kenya Revenue Authority PIN, company name (if available), your physical location, reason for importation (rearing or breeding purposes), number of animals to be imported, country of origin, name of the supplier of the livestock, and the cost of the animals.

All the details given must be accurate. Have the application approved by officials at the ministry headquarters (chief of division, livestock production and chief of division, veterinary services, among others).

Submit the completed form to the department of veterinary services, popularly known as Kabete Vet Labs for recommendation by the director of veterinary services and the director of livestock production.

With their recommendation, the Principal Secretary in the ministry will approve the application. The applicant will then be informed of the fee to pay.

This varies for different animals. Once the fee is paid, an import permit will be issued.

The process may take between three to five working days. The permit is usually valid for 90 days for a single consignment.

The permit outlines certain conditions that must be fulfilled such as the mandatory vaccines and the border entry point.

Step 3: As the import permit is being validated, the farmer should seek an export permit from the country of origin.

This is usually prepared by livestock ministries in that country to ensure that the animal being exported is disease-free, genetically superior and healthy.

The livestock source company processes the application and this will be the same process of validation as the import permit.

You need to agree with the company on who’s to bear the cost of the export permit. Evidence of payment is required.

Step 4: When all the documents have been acquired, make the transport arrangements either by air or road.

The consignment must be accompanied by the original copies of the export and import permits and all other documents.

No live animal will be allowed into the country without these certified documents.

Once the animals arrive at the border point or airport, a thorough examination is carried out by a veterinarian to ensure that they are fit and disease-free.

Step 5: The importer can now clear the animals and take them to the farm.

Proper and accurate planning is important as delays, especially in transportation and clearing can lead to stress and starvation of the animals.

Dr Muchunguh is a livestock expert, [email protected]