East African Zebu are small to medium-sized indigenous cattle widely kept across Kenya for milk, meat, and draft purposes. They have a distinctive hump, short horns, loose skin, and coat colors that range from red, brown, black, grey, to patchy combinations. Mature cows weigh 250–400 kg, while bulls range from 300–445 kg depending on the ecotype.
These cattle are highly resilient and thrive under harsh conditions, including drought-prone areas and regions affected by tick-borne diseases. They perform well in low-input systems and are a cornerstone of pastoral and mixed farming across arid and humid zones. Farmers value their hardiness, disease tolerance, and ability to feed on poor-quality forage, making them ideal for extensive grazing, nomadic pastoralism, and smallholder farms.
Several ecotypes exist, each linked to specific communities and regions. Maasai Zebu in southern Kenya and north-east Tanzania are among the largest and are used mainly for milk and ceremonial purposes. Kamasia/Samburu Zebu from central Kenya are tick and drought tolerant and provide both milk and meat. Winam/Kavirondo Zebu thrive in western Kenya, while Nandi Zebu from the North Rift produce more milk than other indigenous types. Coastal, Teso, Turkana, Kikuyu, and Jiddu Zebu are adapted to their local climates. Some ecotypes, like Kikuyu and Nandi Zebu, face threats from crossbreeding with exotic breeds.
Milk production is modest, averaging 1–3 liters per day, and Zebu mature slowly, reaching full weight at 2–4 years. Their meat quality is moderate, and carcass yields are lower than those of exotic or Boran breeds. However, they excel in longevity, fertility, and maternal instincts.
East African Zebu remain vital to Kenya’s livestock sector. Their adaptability, low-input requirements, and multipurpose utility make them a strategic choice for farmers seeking resilient herds under changing climatic conditions.