Pastoralists in Kenya asked to embrace dairy farming

National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) Chair Agnes Ndetei with Narok Governor Samuel Ole Tunai addressing the press during the launch of the Ending Drought Emergencies program in Narok. They called on pastoralist communities to embrace dairy farming. PHOTO: ROBERT KIPLAGAT

Pastoralists in arid areas have been asked to embrace modern dairy farming techniques to minimise losses.

Speaking yesterday during the launch of Ending Drought Emergencies in Arid and Semi Arid Lands (Asals) counties, Narok Governor Samuel Tunai and National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) Chair Agnes Ndetei said drought can be completely tackled by 2022.

Mr Tunai appealed to pastoralists to cut their stock to manageable numbers as well as invest in dairy farming to get more income.

"Gone are the days when large herds of cattle was a sign of posterity. Our livestock keepers should now change tack," he said.

He said that his government would seek services of experts to train livestock keepers on best practices in drought environments.

Mr Tunai said the devolved unit would work closely with the national government through the NDMA since the efforts of the latter were in tandem with the County Integrated Development Plan which aspires for equitable development.

Mrs Ndetei said NDMA would equip residents in 23 Asal counties to ensure that no human or livestock life is lost during drought.