Some 100 lactating mothers who were worst hit by drought in Iloodokilani ward in Kajiado Central Sub County received 100 Galla goats from the Ministry of Livestock, Action Aid Kenya and Iloodokilani Women Network, which is a good source of nutrition for both babies and mothers.
At the same time, Action Aid Kenya boosted 250 mothers from the village savings and loans associations with Kenbro layer chicks and their three-month feed.
Joshua Ndunda from Action Aid Kenya said that the recent drought has led to higher malnutrition levels in the County as most families lost their cattle which were their main source of livelihood.
Ndunda added that the lactating mothers will be able to get milk from the Galla goats as each of them will get one. They are also expected to rear the Kenbro chicks, multiply them with time to provide eggs and meat to enhance their families’ nutrition.
“We have given them chicks between 3-6 months and their feed. This means that by the time the feed is over, the chicks are able to lay eggs for consumption,” said Ndunda.
The County Executive Committee Member for Gender, Cooperatives, Culture, Tourism and Wildlife Ms. Janet Sereu urged the women to register themselves in cooperatives as the County is keen on working with groups rather than individuals since there is power in numbers.
“Register cooperatives in your locations and incorporate youths so that when there are government projects like this one, you can easily benefit,” said Sereu, adding that the County Government is focusing on a multi-departmental approach to effectively empower communities within Kajiado.
“We encourage all the residents to embrace modulated pastoralism for profitable livestock keeping. Let us also embrace chicken rearing, fish and beekeeping to diversify our source of income rather than just focusing on cattle and sheep,” added Sereu.
A beneficiary of one of the Galla goats Ms. Mary Naeku expressed her gratititude and said that at least she can now feed her 1-year-old son with goat milk.
“We have been surviving on white porridge since our cows were ravaged by drought but we are happy now that my children can get some milk to drink,” said an elated Naeku.
By Diana Meneto and Sammy Rayiani
