Kajiado households receive goats to restock after drought

Edwin Gathii and Faith Micheal-KNA 

Vulnerable households in Kajiado North Sub-County have received goats to help restock their livestock and rebuild livelihoods.

The government launched restocking programs aimed at rebuilding the community’s resilience through livestock reintroduction after prolonged drought witnessed a few years ago resulting in livestock death in the area.

The exercise was also one of the initiatives by the government to empower citizens and boost growth and development from the grassroots.

The Kajiado North Deputy County Commissioner Metrine Wafula led the distribution exercise where 515 goats were distributed across Ngong, Olkeri, Ongata Rongai, Nkaimurunya, and Oloolua Wards.

Speaking during the exercise, Peter Mung’ayo from the Ministry of Livestock said the government is restocking for the farmers affected by drought and those who lost their animals over the last three years.

“The government has stepped in to aid the drought affected families rebuild their livelihoods by distributing household livestock, primarily sheep and goats in hard hit regions,” he said.

The officials noted that the intervention is expected to make a lasting impact by helping communities recover and regain self-sufficiency.

The restocking exercise has expanded to 16 additional counties, Mung’ayo said.  Oloolua Ward Senior Chief Moses Mpesha revealed that local chiefs spearheaded the beneficiary selection process, citing their in-depth knowledge of vulnerable families and farmers in their communities.

He noted that five households were identified per location to receive the support. Local leaders lauded the initiative, describing it as a timely response to the needs of drought-hit communities.

The chief hailed the program as a rare and vital opportunity, saying area leaders should stand ready to champion such efforts for the welfare of their people and the long-term development of the region.

Mary Leima, a farmer from Oloolua Ward, expressed her gratitude to the government after receiving goats to replace nearly all of her livestock lost during the prolonged drought. She said the support would go a long way to help her family rebuild their livelihood.

Kajiado North Sub-County continues to reel from years of relentless drought, which have devoured livestock herds and left a flood of pastoralist families on the brink of survival.