Garissa Governor Ali Korane has disbursed cheques worth Sh6.1 million to 900 livestock traders and farmers in the area to mitigate against economic disruptions due to Covid-19.
Speaking at the Agricultural Farmers Training Centre (ATC) in Garissa town, Korane called on the beneficiaries to utilize the money for the intended purpose.
He said the money which is part of a Sh15 million Livestock Market System (LMS) USAID funded grant will go a long way in improving the livelihoods of the traders and farmers together with their families as well as benefit the communities.
“The grant is aimed at supporting market actors, entrepreneurs and farmers affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to enable them bounce back with viable economic opportunities as the crisis subsides,” Korane added.
During the brief ceremony, the Governor also unveiled other in-kind support to Garissa livestock farmers to the tune of Sh8.4 million that included fully equipped mobile veterinary lab for rapid response to pastoralists in far-flung areas.
Other items were 20 sets of hand washing equipment, 50 sets of protective gear and equipment for livestock markets, butcheries and slaughterhouses.
The governor also distributed 12 sets of flexible flaying knives and butcher straight knives for the slaughterhouse and 20 aluminum meat carriers for butcheries
Speaking during the launch, LMS County Program Manager John Kutwa said the Sh15 million Stimulus Grant was realized following a direct engagement by Korane with the USAID Mission Director Mark Andrew Meassick early in the year.
“Garissa is the only county in the country to receive direct Covid-19 response support from USAID as a result of your engagement and it will go a long way in helping our farmers to recover from the impact of the global pandemic,” Kutwa said.
Present were County Assembly speaker Ibrahim Abass CECs Mohamed Shale (Livestock), Issa Iyow (Finance), Issa Yarow (Roads), Abdi Farah (Water), Director Livestock Dr. Haret Hambe among others.
By Jacob Songok
