Nairobi: At least 4,400 goats were distributed to needy families in Turkana County in a restocking exercise conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. Turkana County Commissioner Julius Kavita led the exercise, accompanied by officers from the Department of Livestock Development in Lokichoggio Sub County. A total of 72 households in Lokichoggio were given 360 goats, with each targeted family getting five goats, including one he-goat.

According to Kenya News Agency, Kavita stated that all the 11 sub-counties in the county have received their allocations of the goats to support the needy families. He emphasized that the goats are intended to breed and increase to aid households in the future. Kavita also noted that the restocking program aligns with the government’s efforts to provide subsidies across various sectors, including support for arid and semi-arid areas like Turkana.

The residents expressed their appreciation to the government for helping uplift their livelihoods. One of the beneficiaries, Margaret Ekumo, expressed her joy after receiving five goats, noting that they would help improve her standard of living as they reproduce and increase. Mark Werimo, from the State Department for Livestock Production, highlighted that the restocking exercise is designed to improve the living standards of the host community.

Assistant Secretary at the Department of Livestock Development Wairimu Irungu cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the goats and urged them to take care of them to ensure they reproduce and grow in number.