Over 5,000 animals moved to Nyeri as pastoralists look for pasture
Herders graze their animals in private farms on the border of Nyeri and Laikipia. An estimated 5,000 animals from the pastoralist communities have migrated to Nyeri from Laikipia in search of pasture as drought persists. PHOTO | BONIFACE MWANGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- He said that water for livestock has become scarce and some animals are traveling long distances in search of it.
- At the same time, he said more than 24,000 people in the county are in dire need of relief food in the next six months.
- The body condition of the local cattle is deteriorating given the reduced pasture.
- The Maasai, Samburu and Pokot are said to have entered into Nyeri from Laikipia.
An estimated 5,000 animals from the pastoralist communities have migrated to Nyeri in search of pasture, according to the county executive for Agriculture Robert Thuo.
Mr Thuo said the number is expected to increase as the ongoing drought persists in the country.
He said that water for livestock has become scarce and some animals are traveling long distances in search of it.
“With the near failure of [the] October and November rains, most rivers, water pans and dams will dry by start of February,” said Mr Thuo.
The body condition of the local cattle is deteriorating given the reduced pasture and the situation has been worsened by frost bites in Kieni’s eco-system.
The Maasai, Samburu and Pokot are said to have entered into Nyeri from Laikipia.
Mr Thuo said measures have already been put in place to counteract the effects associated to animal movement.
“We have already vaccinated our animals against Rift Valley fever, anthrax and rabies while the booster vaccination is scheduled for next month,’ he said.
At the same time, he said more than 24,000 people in the county are in dire need of relief food in the next six months.
Mr Thuo said the number is likely to rise following reduced rains during the current season.
