Turkana County Executive for Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries David Erukudi presided over the launch and distribution of supplementary livestock feeds in Kalapata Ward, Turkana South Sub-County, on Tuesday.
In the distribution plan, Kaakalel has been allocated 200 bags, while Kangakipur and Loperot will get 100 bags of 50 kg each.
The event, which took place at Kaakalel, also included the distribution of 100 goats, which had been procured by World Vision as part of their livelihood programme in Kalapata.
Erukudi lauded World Vision for sponsoring the restocking programme and stated that the county government made a decision to zone non-governmental organisations working in Turkana to ensure their impact is felt by the community.
He said, “On behalf of the county government, I want to thank World Vision for considering Kalapata in their livelihood restocking programme. Our veterinary officers have screened the animals as a precaution and surveillance over livestock diseases”.
The County Executive acknowledged that Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai had given a directive for prioritising drought-hit areas like Kalapata in the distribution plan of the county government-procured range cubes.
He directed the ward and village administrators to monitor the utilisation of feeds to prevent cases where beneficiaries are reported to have sold the feeds immediately after distribution.
On the implementation of government development programmes, the CECM assured residents of Kaakalel of the county government’s commitment to ensure proper utilisation of public funds to meet intended targets.
World Vision Project Coordinator Caroline Aketch lauded the county government officials for honouring the invitation to preside over the event and assured collaboration in the implementation of livelihood activities.
Area MCA Linus Echeme applauded World Vision’s style of implementing programmes in Kalapata and urged the community to support any programme by the government or partners for the benefit of the region.
County Director for Livestock Production Bobby Ekadon warned against misuse of the donated supplementary feeds and raised awareness about the El Nino phenomenon that has been forecasted by the weatherman.
Veterinary Services Director Dr. Benson Long’or underscored the importance of partnerships between the government and private actors and revealed that his department was focused on recruiting more community disease reporters from Kalapata.
Also present were Beatrice Atieno (Sub-County Livestock Production Officer), Maina Njuguna (Veterinary Officer), and Kalapata Ward Administrator Samwel Kitoe.
By Peter Gitonga
