West Pokot: The government through the State Department for Livestock Development has distributed 2,080 Galla goats to vulnerable farmers in West Pokot under the Livestock Restocking Programme being implemented in 14 ASAL counties. The programme is aimed at supporting households that may have lost their stocks due to drought and other related natural calamities, with each beneficiary receiving five goats.
According to Kenya News Agency, the distribution is funded by the national government through the treasury. Speaking during the handing over of the goats to the selected households, West Pokot County Commissioner Abdullahi Khalif praised the government and the State Department for Livestock for the initiative. He said the initiative will see each constituency of West Pokot, namely Kacheliba, Sigor, Kapenguria, and Pokot South, receive 520 Galla goats. The initiative is part of a broader government plan to enhance resilience among pastoral communities in ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) areas.
County Commissioner Khalif expressed gratitude to the national government and President William Samoei Ruto for their support. He urged beneficiaries to ensure the goats multiply for future sustainability, emphasizing their role as a symbol of hope for the community.
Wamboi Irungu, the Assistant Secretary in the State Department for Livestock, thanked residents for their participation and highlighted that the goats are intended for production rather than commercial sale. She described the initiative as a government-led compensation plan for families who lost livestock during recent floods, aimed at improving nutrition and providing income through milk and meat production.
Mark Welima, an official from the Ministry of Livestock, reiterated the government's commitment to the project's success, noting that the program focuses on arid counties and has shown promising progress in several regions. He emphasized the suitability of the Galla goat breed for these areas due to its hardiness and demand for quality meat and milk.
The event included testimonials from beneficiaries such as Benson Silale and Fransisca Chebet, who expressed gratitude for the goats, stating they will help support their families and offer a sustainable livelihood. Fransisca shared her appreciation, noting that the goats will provide milk for her children and eventually help earn money, marking a significant boost for her household.