The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening livestock livelihoods in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) through a Sh70 million wholesale financing facility, donated by the Kenya Development Corporation to Eco Pillar Sacco in West Pokot County.
The funding aims to boost micro, small, and medium enterprises along the livestock value chain, expand access to affordable credit, and support sustainable economic growth in the region. Already, 170 beneficiaries have accessed the first tranche of Sh35 million, with youth and women accounting for 54 percent of recipients.
The cheque was presented during a ceremony presided over by the Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, alongside his Public Works counterpart Joel Arumonyang, West Pokot Governor Simion Kachapin, and the Director General of the Kenya Development Corporation, CPA Norah Ratemo.
Speaking on behalf of Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Abubakar emphasized that the event was about delivering practical solutions to address pressing challenges facing local communities.
The initiative aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes targeted investments in ASALs. By de-risking capital and empowering local financial institutions, the partnership strengthens community resilience amid climate uncertainty.
“For decades, ASAL regions have been viewed through the lens of vulnerability. Today, we choose to see them through the lens of opportunity, productivity, and resilience,” the CS stated.
West Pokot County faces significant challenges but is rich in economic potential, with more than 80 percent of the population depending on livestock keeping and farming. The county economy, valued at approximately Sh50 billion, is largely anchored on livestock production, making the sector central to economic stability.
Governor Kachapin underscored the transformative impact of the funding, noting that the facility will enable Eco Pillar Sacco to expand lending to farmers, traders, small businesses, and households, easing one of the greatest barriers to growth: access to affordable credit. He highlighted complementary investments, including Economic Stimulus Programme markets in Makutano, Ortum, and Sigor, plans for the Marich Fresh Produce Market, and the county’s first international trade and investment conference.
Through the County Cooperative Development Fund, Sh65 million has already been disbursed to 14 cooperatives, reinforcing grassroots economic empowerment. KDC leadership emphasized that success will be measured by tangible outcomes, including expanded enterprises, improved livestock productivity, increased household incomes, and sustainable job creation.
Eco Pillar Sacco was lauded for its governance standards and growing membership base, positioning it as a reliable vehicle for last-mile financial inclusion. CEO Linus Lokira said, “The funds appropriated from KDC will uplift our SACCO members, with more applying for Kilimo Loan, Ufugaji Loan, and Kilimo Biashara facilities. The second tranche will benefit more members from West Pokot and Turkana counties.”
As drought continues to ravage pastoral livelihoods, the financing facility signals a strong commitment to ensuring livestock-dependent households are supported not only to recover, but to thrive sustainably. Beneficiaries were encouraged to invest strategically in productivity, quality standards, market linkages, and enterprises capable of long-term growth.
The partnership between KDC and Eco Pillar Sacco provides a replicable model for de-risking investments and empowering communities in ASAL regions.
by Parklea Ivor and Anthony Melly
