More than 150,000 pastoralists from the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (Asals) are set to benefit from a Sh18 billion project aimed at providing livestock markets.
The objective of the project dubbed De-Risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement of pastoral economies (Drive) is to build the resilience of pastoral communities by strengthening commercialisation of livestock production.
Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Harry Kimtai said the project is expected to enhance the climate resilience of pastoral communities, address climate change, strengthen commercialisation of livestock production and ensure the inclusion of the marginalised and vulnerable groups such as women and youth.
"The Drive project will provide necessary support and resources to pastoralist communities to help them increase their resilience and enhance their economic participation," said Kimtai.
The project will be implemented by the State Department of Livestock Development, in partnership with ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company), Kenya Development Corporation and the World Bank Group.
Kenya is among four countries in the Horn of Africa that will benefit from the project. Others include Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti where over 250,000 households are expected to benefit over a five-year period.
According to the implementing partners, Drive will protect pastoralists against recurring drought shocks with a package of financial services, including drought insurance, savings for resilience, digital accounts and financial education.
"The project expands access of pastoralists to a package of financial services, so that they may receive insurance payouts in their accounts in case of severe drought and use their savings in case of moderate shocks," said Keith Hansen, World Bank Country Director.
The project is also expected to create markets around the livestock value chain, enhance regional cooperation and peacebuilding, climate mitigation (improvement, fodder conservation and increased productivity), and closing the gender gap in access to financial services.
To ensure pastoralists get better value for their livestock, part of the budget will be used to upgrade equipment to ensure conformity to international standards of exportation of meat products.
The partners noted that the project will give money to pastoralists at the onset of drought rather than offering assistance after drought has been declared and the animals have perished.
Drive will be implemented in 21 Asal counties;Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, Isiolo, Samburu, Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Baringo, West Pokot, Narok, Laikipia, Kajiado, Makueni, Kitui, Lamu, Taita Taveta, Kilifi and Kwale. It targets pastoral groups that are sufficiently structured around productive activities.
