Vulnerable residents in Kajiado North sub-county have been gifted with goats for restocking after a prolonged drought.
The distribution is as a result of a prolonged drought, which had been witnessed a few years ago, resulting in livestock death in the area.
The exercise is also one of the initiatives by the government to ensure empowerment of citizens is realised, hence boosting growth and development from the grassroots levels.
The Kajiado North Deputy County commissioner Metrine Wafula led the distribution exercise that saw 515 goats distributed to some of the vulnerable communities from various wards.
Speaking during the exercise, Peter Mung’ayo from the Ministry of Livestock said that the government is in the process of carrying out the restocking programme for the farmers affected by drought and who lost their animals over the last three years.
“The government has come in to assist them in restoring their livelihoods by giving them small stock, which consists of sheep and goats,” he said, adding that the help will go a long way to boost the citizens by ensuring they go back to where they originally were.
Mung’ayo added that the same initiative by the government is also being carried out in 16 other counties for the most vulnerable families across the country, which were affected by the drought.
Moses Mpesha, the Senior Chief of Oloolua ward, added that the criteria used to identify the most favourable candidates to benefit were conducted by chiefs because they know the most vulnerable people and farmers in their areas and that they were identifying five households per location.
“We, as the leaders in the area, are delighted to witness this important exercise by the government, which has remembered its people in the drought-affected areas.
Opportunities like this are rare, and if they arise, we are ready to fight for the benefit of our people and the betterment of our society,” said Mpesha.
The 515 goats were distributed in Ngong, Olkeri, Ongata Rongai, Nkaimurunya, and Oloolua wards.
During the exercise, several farmers expressed their relief and hope.
“I lost almost all my goats during the drought period, and now I thank the government for giving my family these goats, which will rebuild it again,” said Mary Leima, a farmer from the Oloolua ward.
Kajiado County North has faced prolonged periods of drought in recent years, leading to massive livestock losses and affecting the livelihoods of many pastoralist families.
The government launched restocking programmes, aimed at rebuilding the community’s resilience through livestock reintroduction.
The Sub County Administrator Samuel Muchiri and several chiefs and assistant chiefs were also present to witness the impactful exercise.
By Edwin Gathii and Faith Micheal
