Isiolo County Government will partner with development associates to enhance camel milk value chain plan through providing support to local camel keepers.
The county which is famous for camel milk production will bring on board development partners and technical personnel from the line departments to develop a zero-draft camel milk value chain strategy.
To spur the efforts, the County government will collaborate with the VSF-Suisse non-government organization to ensure camel farmers realise maximum benefits from their animals’ products.
Speaking at the opening of a workshop in Isiolo town, Deputy Governor Dr. James Lowasa highlighted the significance of the strategy, emphasizing on the potential impact on the community.
Dr. Lowasa said several strategies relating to livestock value chain were previously developed in the county and he believes this being the first for camels, it would be successful and other counties undertaking camel rearing would be coming to borrow a leaf from Isiolo.
He said there was great need to sensitise wananchi on modern animal husbandry including quality camel meat, high milk yield and fattening of camels to meet the market demands.
He also commended the partners for their support in enhancing the County residents’ livelihoods and called for others to come on board to compliment the national and county governments’ endeavours to uplift the standard of living of the local people.
The day’s workshop covers trends in camel milk production, challenges and opportunities, development strategy, policy and legal frameworks, food safety, and a roadmap for the camel milk value chain.
VSF-Suisse Country Director Dr. Davis Ikiror and Isiolo County Consortium Manager Genevieve Owour lauded Isiolo County administration for the partnership that led to the success of various activities over years.
Isiolo County Executive Committee Member for Tourism, Trade, Cooperative, and Enterprise Dr. Lawrence Mwongela underscored the benefits of the strategy, considering the significant camel population in Isiolo.
By David Nduro
