The Minister for Livestock and Fisheries, Ambassador Dr Bashiru Ally Kakurwa, has issued a stern directive to the National Ranching Company (NARCO) to immediately coordinate with the Ministry’s Department of Veterinary Services and the Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA) to ensure a consistent supply of veterinary medicines at NARCO’s Kongwa ranch and surrounding areas.
The directive, made on February 26, 2026, follows complaints from livestock keepers, including tenant farmers allocated grazing plots within NARCO Kongwa, who have faced persistent shortages of essential medicines, leaving their animals at risk. Mr Kedmond Maskini, a representative of these farmers, presented the challenges directly to the minister.
Speaking to officials and farmers, Dr Bashiru criticized the lack of coordination within the ministry, stressing that all veterinary services and regulatory authorities fall under the same office.
“This ministry is one, with one minister appointed by one President. Why are we failing to operate as a single team?” he said.
“Vaccines, veterinary officers, and the authority regulating livestock drugs are all under my office, yet NARCO does not have the medicines needed. I am issuing this as a final directive. The Permanent Secretary must ensure all officials understand their duty to work together.”he added
Dr Bashiru also raised concerns over irregularities in the distribution of veterinary medicines, which have reportedly left farmers struggling to access treatments at fair prices.
He instructed that veterinary drugs be made available directly through ministry institutions, including NARCO Kongwa, to relieve farmers of the burden of sourcing medicines from informal markets.
The minister’s intervention reflects the government’s broader effort to strengthen service delivery in the livestock sector, which remains vital for rural livelihoods, food security, and economic growth.
NARCO, as a state-managed ranch, is expected to lead by example in providing reliable veterinary services to commercial and small-scale farmers.
Dr Bashiru emphasized that effective teamwork among all agencies under the ministry is essential to boost livestock productivity and investor confidence.
“We must function as one unit to support farmers, investors, and the growth of our livestock sector,” he concluded.
The directive is expected to bring swift improvements in the availability of medicines at NARCO Kongwa, ensuring that livestock keepers can properly care for their animals and safeguard their investments.
