Demand exceeds supply at annual Kimalel goat auction

A record Sh18.7 million was raised in less than 10 minutes at the famous annual Kimalel goat auction and cultural festival in Baringo presided over by Deputy President William Ruto.

The buyers, mainly politicians, professionals and businessmen, bought the 1,557 goats from farmers drawn from across Baringo County even before the actual event could kick off, leaving other interested buyers frustrated.

Thousands of hopeful buyers had arrived at the venue as early as Friday evening, but most of them returned home empty-handed. The Deputy President then appealed that more goats be brought to the auction next year.

Goat meat is a Kenyan favourite during Christmas festivities, so demand is high at this time of the year. Baringo goats are highly valued for their tasty meat.

A goat was sold for Sh12,000 compared to last year’s Sh8,000, with President Uhuru Kenyatta, his deputy and businessman Joshua Kulei taking the largest shares by buying 600 goats worth Sh7.2 million.

Baringo Senator Gideon Moi and Kass FM chief executive Joshua Chepkwony followed, each with 125 goats valued at Sh1.5 million.

The leaders present included Governor Benjamin Cheboi. He bought 80 goats for former President Daniel Moi, who was represented at the event by his son, Gideon.

Moi began the goat auction in 1986 while he was still in office. However, the yearly event had gone down for a decade after he retired in 2002. President Kenyatta relaunched it last year.

National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale bought a goat each for Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, Siaya Senator James Orengo, Senate Minority Leader Mosses Wentang’ula and Kakamega Senator Bonni Khalwale, saying the four were seriously injured during last week’s chaos in Parliament.

Others who bought goats included Tourism Trade and Commerce Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie, MPs, members of county assemblies and the deputy president’s personal assistant, Faruk Kibet. 

Noble idea

Also on the list were Duale, Elgeiyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, Kericho Senator Charles Keter and Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki.

Several traditional entertainment groups drawn from Baringo and other parts of the country entertained the hundreds of guests.

The Deputy President described the idea of the auction as a noble one and urged the county government to ensure that a slaughter house is constructed in the area to enable farmers supply meat to the largest supermarkets in the country.

“Apart from ensuring that Kenyans from all walks of life have something to put on their tables this festive season, parents whose goats will be sold today will definitely pay school fees with ease,” said Ruto.