Pastoralists have signed grazing agreements to ensure peaceful sharing of resources as drought sets in arid regions of the country forcing herders to migrate to Kom area, Merti Sub-County, Isiolo County with over 10,000 livestock.
Three pastoralist communities from Marsabit, Samburu, and Isiolo counties signed the agreement which would guide them in sharing pasture and water at Kom area along Ewaso Ng’iro River basin after tension was reported following the influx of herders who have migrated to the area with over 10,000 animals as drought sets in in the northern Kenya region.
The pastoralists migrating to new areas in search of water and pasture have to adhere to the laid down guidelines in the agreement to avoid livestock theft, insecurity and misuse of firearms that the armed youth escorting the livestock carry along with them.
Speaking during the signing of the agreement, Samburu East Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Stanley Langat said the accord would regulate livestock movements in the shared grazing zones, helping prevent clashes and uphold law and order.
The signed document by the three Sub-County Commissioners and community representatives would remain in force throughout the ongoing dry spell that weather forecast authorities warn could last longer than usual.
Langat assured residents that the government was closely monitoring the situation and would deploy administrators to the grazing fields to ensure herders were held accountable.
Waso Ward MCA Kelvin Lemantang welcomed the move, noting that chiefs would be required to accompany herders to ensure compliance.
He further urged communities to recover stolen animals reported before the agreement and to develop measures that would keep school-going children out of grazing fields so they could resume learning.
Range Programme Officer Mr. Sayana Lempara called on all stakeholders to jointly develop a plan to effectively communicate the agreement’s provisions to herders in the field, ensuring adherence to the new grazing rules until the drought eases.
Laisamis Sub-County DCC Kefa Marube directed Assistant Chiefs to track herders as they migrate with livestock and guarantee them security and immediately report those declining to follow the guidelines.
He also appealed to the elders to emphasize the value of education among children and youth as a long-term measure for enhancing community security.
By David Nduro
