Turkana: The Turkana County Government has taken significant steps to support pastoral families in the Loyapat and Kakong'u areas by continuing its livestock restocking programme, which aims to mitigate the effects of recent droughts.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Directorate of Livestock Development has successfully distributed 571 goats to 114 households, with each family receiving five goats. This initiative, spearheaded by the Deputy Director of Livestock Production, Josephine Emase, is a crucial effort to rebuild livestock herds and bolster community resilience against prolonged droughts. Emase emphasized that the primary goal is to aid pastoralist households that have suffered livestock losses due to the drought.
Additionally, Emase encouraged residents to participate in the national vaccination campaign scheduled for April 2025, urging them to bring their livestock in large numbers to ensure the well-being of their animals.
The County Health and Sanitation Executive, Dr. Joseph Epem, introduced the 'One Health' approach, locally known as Kimormor, which aims to deliver essential medical care to both residents and their livestock in Aroo Sub-County. Dr. Epem highlighted the cabinet's priority to provide water and medical supplies, including livestock vaccines, to support the livelihoods of the pastoral community.
Furthermore, the Member of the County Assembly for Lobokat Ward, Samuel Aliwo, praised the county government's efforts in prioritizing restocking and selecting Kakong'u and Loyapat pastoralists as beneficiaries. He also emphasized the need for rapid livestock vaccinations and an increase in animal feed supplies.
Assistant Director of Livestock Production, Earnest Anzeze, encouraged residents to register and insure their animals under the national DRIVE project to safeguard against future losses due to drought or other adverse factors.
The event was attended by various officials, including Assistant Director of Administration Peter Ewaar, Aroo Deputy Sub-County Commissioner Samuel Kitoe, Lobokat county administrators, and local chiefs, underscoring the collaborative effort to support the pastoral community.