The Animal Health and Industry Training Institute (AHITI) Kabete, was started at the present site in 1965 as a project of the government of Kenya, the Foodand Agriculture Organization (F.A.O.) and the United Nations DevelopmentProgramme (UNDP). Initially, the project was designed for five years, but was later extended for another period of two and a half years. The objective of the AHITI project was to provide training for middle grade technicians and field extension staff in livestock and related disciplines. The project was a part of a wider scheme of development of the livestock industry in East Africa. This was to be achieved through availing training to trainees from East African countries. Other English – peaking countries in Africa were also allowed toprovide trainees. The plan visualized facilities for 100 trainees. The first President of the Republic of Kenya, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, officially opened the Institute in 1966. It was fully handed over to the Government of Kenya in1973.