Residents of Igembe North are rebuilding their livelihoods following the government’s livestock restocking programme aimed at compensating families that lost cattle to bandit attacks and restoring economic stability in the region.
The exercise, being coordinated by the National Government in collaboration with local leaders and security agencies, has seen hundreds of cattle distributed to verified beneficiaries to help revive livestock farming, improve household incomes and strengthen food security.
Speaking at Mea Primary School during the second day of the exercise, Igembe North Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) Jerald Okari Marando said the distribution had progressed peacefully despite isolated attempts by a few individuals to obtain livestock fraudulently.
Marando said 175 cows were distributed on the first day, bringing the total number of cattle issued under the programme to 207. The initiative targets families whose livestock was stolen by bandits between 2023 and 2026.
He said the government expects to distribute about 600 cattle under the programme and urged residents who have not yet benefited to remain patient as more animals are expected.
The OCPD warned that adequate security personnel had been deployed to safeguard the exercise and ensure that only verified beneficiaries receive the livestock.
“We will not allow anyone to interfere with this process. Security officers are on the ground to ensure transparency and fairness so that genuine victims benefit from the programme,” he said.
Igembe North National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Manager Ronald Mugambi commended the government for intervening to restore the livelihoods of families that had suffered devastating losses due to years of cattle rustling and banditry.
Mugambi urged beneficiaries to retain the animals for breeding and dairy production instead of selling them, noting that the programme is intended to rebuild herds, increase milk production, improve household incomes and enhance long-term food security.
Beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, saying it had restored hope after years of hardship.
Stephen Kamendo from Amwathi Ward thanked the government for the livestock donation and appealed to residents yet to receive cattle to remain patient, expressing confidence that additional livestock would be distributed.
Joshua Muriki, a resident of Mea, recalled the anguish of watching bandits drive away their livestock, saying many families had been left without their primary source of income and food.
He said the restocking programme had given affected households an opportunity to rebuild their lives and regain economic independence.
Former Igembe North Member of Parliament and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Board Chairman Joseph M’Eruaki welcomed the initiative but called for fairness, transparency and accountability throughout the distribution process.
Speaking earlier during a church service at Athiru Catholic Church, M’Eruaki said only registered victims of cattle rustling should benefit from the programme and cautioned against favouritism or political interference.
He also urged beneficiaries not to sell the livestock, saying the government’s objective is to rebuild herds, support dairy farming and restore sustainable livelihoods across the region.
By Kamanja Maeria
