Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai today flagged off veterinary supplies and supplementary livestock feeds for distribution, as part of the county government initiative to curb a recent surge in livestock diseases and support drought-affected communities.
Speaking during the launch at Mifugo Complex, Lomorukai acknowledged a rise in respiratory illnesses, skin diseases, trypanosomiasis, tick infestations, sheep and goat pox, and management across the county as well as the borderlands.
“The high livestock population along our borders creates an increased risk of cross-contamination. This is why, to safeguard the livelihoods of our pastoralist communities, the Directorate of Veterinary Services has procured veterinary vaccines, drugs, and equipment worth Ksh. 30 million,” he said.
He assured residents that the programme was aimed at protecting pastoralist livelihoods and welcomed continuous mobilisation of resources from animal health partners to combat the spread of diseases.
A total of 1,200 bags of supplementary livestock feed were also dispatched. These feeds will benefit 1200 households in Loima, Turkana Central, Turkana South, Turkana East and Turkana North.
He added, “by providing this critical assistance, we hope to improve household nutrition, reduce food insecurity, and increase household income through future livestock sales.”
He commended the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries for the programme and challenged other county departments to expedite the launch of their respective initiatives.
He reiterated his commitment to working with the County Assembly to deliver critical services as mandated and called upon Members of the National Assembly to similarly support the President’s national development agenda.
The governor emphasised professionalism among county staff, warning that he will not allow any distractions from the county’s focus on protecting public resources and service delivery.
Deputy Governor Dr. John Erus urged county staff to support the governor’s vision under the Nine-Points Development Agenda and showed appreciation to partners for their support in supporting development programmes.
County executive committee member for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries Dr. Anthony Apalia revealed that the ministry had procured Sh20 million worth of livestock feed and Sh30 million worth of veterinary products for this exercise.
The County Assembly was represented at the launch by James Ikeny (Kanamkemer), Michael Aemun (Kaputir) and Special Elect Muna Abdi.
Senior County Government officials present included Deputy County Secretary Joseph Nyang’a, County Executives Patrick Losike (Roads) and Faith Aletea (Water Services), Chief Officers Lomodei Evans (Fisheries and Aquaculture), Janerose Tioko (Agriculture), and Triza Amoni (Energy and Mining).
By Peter Gitonga
