Residents of North Uyoma ward in Rarieda sub county received 190 heifers funded by the area ward development kitty at a cost of Sh10 million.
Speaking during the distribution of the cows, area MCA Washington Bonyo explained that the initiative is aimed at empowering the local community by boosting their economic livelihoods.
Mr Bonyo revealed that the cows are given to farmer groups adding that so far, his office has distributed over six hundred cows to the groups since 2023.
“In 2023, some 250 cows were given to groups in the ward, in 2024 an additional 215 cows were distributed while this year we are giving out a further 190 to farmers. I also have information that about 240 of them have already given birth and the local community are benefiting from the milk produced by the cows,” said Bonyo.
The MCA further disclosed that the aim of the initiative is to ensure that every household in the ward has cows that would produce milk and possibly establish a milk processing plant in the area that would transform the region economically.
Bonyo said that besides the cows, the ward kitty is in the process of purchasing semen that will be used to improve the breeds of the cows for higher milk production.
“We are in the process of purchasing 1000 Saiwol and 600 Boran semen to improve our breeds and ensure increase in both milk and meat production,” said the MCA.
He stated that although North Uyoma has water challenges he had first sank boreholes in every school in the ward to ensure that perennial water shortages which would hamper livestock rearing is addressed.
Bonyo who was flanked by Siaya County Assistant director of veterinary Mr Mark Otieno said that his close working relationship with Siaya governor James Orengo has been pivotal in the success of the cow’s distribution initiative.
Dr Otieno said that his department would vaccinate all the 190 animals against Foot and Mouth Disease as per the directive of President William Ruto.
He also revealed that the farmers’ benefited and the community will undergo training on making of hay during the rainy season to ensure that the cows have enough food during dry seasons.
Area Chief Mr Peter Odongo expressed gratitude to the county government of Siaya saying the project has had positive economic impact in the region over the last two years.
Odongo said that administrators have put mechanism in place not only to solve disputes in groups who have benefited from the cows but also to ensure that cows remain within the borders of North Sakwa ward.
By Brian Ondeng’
