Government launches livestock offtake programme in Laikipia

 

Search of water and pasture is a daunting task in Laikipia. [File]

Residents of Laikipia County are set to benefit after the government started a livestock offtake programme.

The programme by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with the Kenya Meat Commission, is meant to salvage livestock farmers from incurring huge losses during the drought season.

According to Laikipia NDMA Coordinator Guyo Gulicha, about 25,000 people in Mukogondo East and West, Segera and Ol-Moran were facing starvation due to the ongoing drought and hence the move to start the programme.

He noted that NDMA and KMC were first targeting at least 400 heads of cattle weighing about 150 kilograms live weight, but the number would be increased in due course.

“We want to ensure there are no livestock deaths during the drought season. That is why we have partnered with KMC to buy livestock from the affected regions,” he said.

Laikipia County Commissioner Joseph Kanyiri said the National and County government are undertaking a drought response strategy to provide immediate and short-term solutions.

Kanyiri said immediate response measures taken include the deployment of two water bowsers in Laikipia North sub-County. He said water had been distributed to some schools and dispensaries.

He said the government was working with community groups to build their capacity and encouraging them to venture into other income-generating activities such as beekeeping.

They spoke on the sidelines of a peace sensitization forum at Survey in Kirima sub-County.