Youths in Kerio valley, Marakwet East Sub- County have launched a youth group organization to mitigate banditry in the region, through agriculture and environmental conservation.
Light Youth group which was launched in Chesongoch, Marakwet East, intends to champion and encourage local residents into transitioning from livestock farming to crop cultivation or to integrate both crop and livestock farming, as a way of reducing the overdependence on livestock.
According to Brian Kiprop, the Chairman of Light Youth group, the disputes in the Kerio region are as a result of cattle rustling and if the people could shift their focus from livestock farming to other economic ventures, the disputes and banditry will reduce.
He said that as youth from the area they came up with the group intending to reach out to locals and people from Baringo, West Pokot counties who are also affected by banditry.
Members and youth from the region will assist with seedlings, farm inputs launching them into agriculture and the youth group will also facilitate visits from agricultural experts who will teach and advise them on the proper farming techniques as well as the ins and outs of agribusiness.
With support from the society and the county government, the youth group intends to minimize if not eradicate cattle rustling and banditry by offering the locals alternative means of livelihood through advancement of modern farming.
Kiprop concluded that through modern farming techniques and support from the government the communities will be able to transition from overdependence on livestock farming to commercialized farming.
By Rennish Okong’o
