Cherehani Labs is a pioneering Kenyan social enterprise that is revolutionizing rural livestock farming through cutting-edge, technology-driven veterinary solutions. With a strong focus on accessibility, innovation, and sustainability, Cherehani Labs is dedicated to improving livestock health, boosting farmer productivity, and enhancing food security in Kenya’s underserved rural areas.
At the heart of Cherehani Labs’ model is the use of solar-powered mobile laboratories housed in shipping containers. These labs are strategically deployed in rural communities, allowing farmers to access high-quality veterinary diagnostics, a service traditionally concentrated in urban centres.
By bringing modern veterinary care directly to the farmers’ doorsteps, Cherehani Labs bridges a critical gap, ensuring that rural communities no longer have to rely on guesswork for the treatment of their livestock.
The labs offer a comprehensive range of services, including blood and milk analyses, which are processed with the support of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide precise and personalized dietary and medical recommendations.
Farmers receive these recommendations via SMS, making the information easily accessible and actionable. Beyond diagnostics, Cherehani Labs issues digital health certificates for disease-free animals, opening pathways for farmers to access insurance, loans, and higher-value markets. This system not only protects livestock health but also strengthens the financial resilience of farming households.
Cherehani Labs also promotes the adoption of improved crossbreed cattle that yield more milk and have a smaller environmental footprint compared to indigenous breeds. Additionally, by enabling access to credit and insurance products tailored to rural farmers, Cherehani Labs empowers smallholders to invest in productive assets and protect themselves against potential losses.
Operating across three counties in Kenya, Cherehani Labs supports over 120,000 rural farmers, with a growing footprint that is expanding to meet the increasing demand for reliable, affordable veterinary services.
The latest addition to their network is their new outlet in Githunguri, a region renowned for its rich dairy farming culture. The Githunguri lab brings Cherehani’s signature blend of innovation and community focus even closer to the farmers who need it most.
Dr. Emma Relin, the Head of Laboratory Services, shares her personal journey and the mission that drives Cherehani’s work.
“As a proud member of the Pokot pastoralist community, my journey into veterinary science is deeply personal,” Dr. Relin says.
“Growing up, I witnessed the challenges rural communities face in accessing even the most basic animal health services. That lived reality continues to fuel my passion: to ensure that the knowledge and skills I gain through my work at Cherehani Labs can bring lasting, meaningful change — starting with communities like my own.”
Dr. Relin recalls a pivotal experience during a vaccination and sterilization campaign in Samburu.
“The overwhelming appreciation from the community was a powerful reminder of the difference veterinary care makes — not just for animals, but for livelihoods, dignity, and peace of mind. That experience lit a fire in me to continue delivering impactful, hands-on care.”
She emphasizes that Cherehani Labs’ model is transforming rural animal healthcare by shifting from treatment based on assumptions to treatment based on accurate diagnostics.
“While most labs are located in urban centres, we are bringing evidence-based treatment to rural areas through mobile, solar-powered labs,” she said. “This shift means healthier animals, better outcomes for farmers, and smarter use of veterinary resources.”
Dr. Relin also highlights the critical role livestock plays in household economies.
“I’ve worked with smallholder farmers whose entire household depends on the milk from just one or two cows. When diseases like mastitis strike, it’s more than a health issue — it threatens food security and income. Through accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment, we’re not just healing animals; we’re protecting livelihoods. That’s the true power of our work.”
Cherehani Labs stands as a beacon of hope and progress for rural farmers, offering them not just veterinary care but also a sustainable path to economic empowerment and food security.
