The Government of Kenya has launched a Sh 15.9 billion livestock project for pastoralists in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs). The project is meant to safeguard herders from drought as well as boost their local economies.
The project is an initiative of the State Department for Livestock Development, in partnership with ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company), Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), and the World Bank Group (WBG).
The project, dubbed ‘De-Risking, Inclusion, and Value Enhancement of pastoral economies’ (DRIVE) was launched on July 13 in Laikipia County.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua while launching the DRIVE project in Naibor area of Laikipia North Sub County said that 21 counties will benefit from the rollout.
“The livestock subsector plays an important economic and social-cultural role in Kenya. It contributes between 10% and 13% to the National Gross Domestic Product,” remarked Gachagua.
“Besides, it employs up to 50% of the agricultural labor force. In ASAL Counties, the Sh 150 billion subsector is a source of up to 95% of family income,” the Deputy President added.
The DP noted that the project has been in the pilot phase since November 2022. He said that the project was in tandem with the government’s determination to build strong and resilient communities. This he noted was part of the government’s effort to fight the threat of Climate Change.
Under the DRIVE program, pastoralists insure their animals and get compensated in case of death through drought. The herders shall also receive funds to purchase fodder for the remaining weak livestock.
Gachagua further noted that during the fourth quarter of 2022, over 17,000 pastoralists in the Counties of Wajir, Garissa, Tana River, and Samburu registered for insurance.
“They paid a 20% premium; and the Government paid a subsidy of 80%, amounting to Sh.192 million. The insured pastoralists have qualified for initial savings incentive deposits of Sh.6, 000 each. This amounts to Sh.100 million in the four Counties,” he said.
The DP also announced that over 43,000 pastoralists have bought livestock insurance. He further added that the government has paid an 80% premium subsidy of more than Sh462 Million.
“This shows our commitment to supporting livestock farmers so that they are not left behind. In five years, livestock farmers will enjoy improved access to affordable index-based drought insurance. They will also be able to access other financial services like savings and credit,” Gachagua said.
He added that the farmers would also be linked to reliable markets while promoting youth and women in the livestock value chain through private-public partnerships.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi who was also present said that his ministry was keen on uplifting the welfare of pastoral communities across the country.
“This is why we, as a ministry are seeking to have pastoralists join cooperative societies. Here they can access funds to restock their herds after a dry spell,” Linturi said.
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu who was present during the launch also welcomed the project. The governor added that it would benefit a substantial population in the county whose livelihoods are derived from livestock keeping.
“This project will not only uplift the lives of our pastoral communities but will also relieve them from over-reliance on relief supplies and conflicts that arise as they search for water and pasture for their animals,” Irungu said.
