The County Government of Turkana has launched the distribution of supplementary livestock feeds and the deployment of veterinary vaccines and drugs as part of an emergency response to the ongoing drought affecting pastoral communities.
Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai presided over the launch and said the intervention, supported by Concern Worldwide, an NGO, aims to protect livestock and safeguard pastoral livelihoods as the county continues to experience the effects of prolonged drought.
Concern Worldwide, in partnership with the County Government, is distributing 6,660 bags of 50kg supplementary livestock feeds to 3,330 vulnerable households in Turkana East, Turkana Central, Loima and Turkana North.
Each household will receive two bags of supplementary feed.
The county has also intensified livestock vaccination, deworming and treatment to address the increased prevalence of diseases triggered by drought conditions and livestock migration.
The vaccination programme will target priority diseases affecting sheep and goats, including Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), particularly in drought-affected wards such as Kerio, Kangatotha, Kaeris, Lapur and Kaaleng/Kaikor.
The drought has caused severe shortages of pasture and water, forcing approximately 69 per cent of livestock herds to migrate to distant grazing areas, including parts of northern Uganda.
Governor Lomorukai said the programme will prioritize livestock that remain near homesteads, particularly lactating animals, breeding stock and young animals, which are most vulnerable during drought periods.
“Our pastoral economy depends on livestock, and protecting breeding stock during drought is critical for recovery once the situation improves. This intervention will help maintain livestock body condition, improve milk production for household nutrition and reduce livestock mortality,” he said.
Acting Chief Officer for Livestock Development Peter Ikaru said the county is working closely with partners to support drought response efforts.
Governor Lomorukai said the county will continue strengthening veterinary services and working with partners to build resilience among pastoral communities.
Concern Worldwide Project Manager Isaac Ekuwom and Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kikorir attended the launch.
Senior county officials present during the event included Director of Veterinary Services Benson Long’or, Director of Livestock Production Bobby Ekadon Ewoi, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services Erenius Nakadio, Deputy Director of Livestock Production Josephine Emase and Assistant Director of Livestock Production Earnest Anzenze.
By Peter Gitonga
