Turkana County Government has continued its livestock restocking programme in the Loyapat and Kakong’u areas to support pastoral families affected by drought.
The initiative, led by the Directorate of Livestock Development, has successfully distributed 571 goats to 114 households, with each family receiving five goats.
The Deputy Director of Livestock Production Josephine Emase emphasized that the restocking exercise was a critical step in rebuilding livestock herds and strengthening community resilience in the wake of prolonged droughts.
“As a county that primarily depends on livestock for livelihoods, our goal is to assist pastoralist households. This relief measure is aimed at supporting families that have lost animals due to the drought,” she explained.
Emase also urged residents to bring their livestock in large numbers for the upcoming national vaccination campaign scheduled across the county in April 2025.
The County Health and Sanitation Executive Dr. Joseph Epem who also participated in the programme introduced the “One Health” approach, known locally as Kimormor.
This initiative, set to take place in Aroo Sub-County, aims to provide both residents and their livestock with essential medical care.
“As a cabinet, our priority this financial year has been to ensure water provision for both humans and livestock, as well as to supply livestock vaccines and medical supplies to support the pastoral community’s livelihoods,” Dr. Epem said.
The Member of the County Assembly for Lobokat Ward Samuel Aliwo commended the county government for prioritizing restocking efforts and selecting Kakong’u and Loyapat pastoralists as primary beneficiaries.
He also called for the fast-tracking of livestock vaccinations and an increase in animal feed supplies.
Recognizing the devastating impact of drought and other factors leading to livestock losses, Assistant Director of Livestock Production Earnest Anzeze urged residents to register and insure their animals under the national DRIVE project to mitigate future losses.
The event was attended by an Assistant Director of Administration Peter Ewaar, Aroo Deputy Sub-County Commissioner Samuel Kitoe, Lobokat county administrators, and local chiefs.
By Peter Gitonga
