Government to unveil Sh8 billion project to help pastoralists

Livestock department Principal Secretary Andrew Tuimur (centre) said World Bank will provide Sh5 billion for the project. PHOTO | MUCHIRI GITONGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Thousands of livestock from Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu and Baringo will be vaccinated against various diseases on July 30 to mark the unveiling of project at Muwarak in Laikipia North.
  • The project hopes to strengthen livelihoods of pastoralists and agro-pastoralist communities in drought prone areas and improve their capacity of responding to emergencies especially the recurrent drought.

The government will next week unveil a Sh8 billion project to help pastoralists in 14 counties across the country.

Livestock department Principal Secretary Andrew Tuimur said World Bank will provide Sh5 billion while the government will match it.

Thousands of livestock from Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu and Baringo will be vaccinated against various diseases on July 30 to mark the unveiling of project at Muwarak in Laikipia North.

"It will assist in creating resilience among pastoral communities especially in areas of drought mitigation," Dr Tuimur said.

He spoke in Nanyuki on Wednesday after touring Samburu, Isiolo and Laikipia country to inspect preparations for the launch.

The PS said the national government will work with county governments to ensure the success of the project.

The project hopes to strengthen livelihoods of pastoralists and agro-pastoralist communities in drought prone areas and improve their capacity of responding to emergencies especially the recurrent drought.

The 14 counties benefitting from the project are among the 23 classified as arid or semi-arid and have been based on their vulnerability to calamities that also affect Ethiopia and Kenya.

Laikipia county agriculture executive Jane Putunoi urged the PS to consider including establishment of cattle dips along county borders in the project to enhance peace in the areas.