Turkana: A total of 4,400 goats have been 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 initiative, accompanied by officers from the department of Livestock Development in Lokichoggio Sub-County.

According to Kenya News Agency, a total of 72 households in Lokichoggio were given 360 goats, with each targeted household receiving five goats, including one he-goat. Kavita stated that all 11 sub-counties in the county have received their allocations of the goats to support the needy families.

The goats are intended to breed and increase, providing future support to the households. “These goats are not meant for sale, but they should breed and increase so that they can help the households in the future,” Kavita emphasized. He also highlighted that, similar to subsidies in sectors like tea, coffee, and sugarcane, arid and semi-arid areas have been considered in the goats
restocking program.

Residents expressed their gratitude to the government for this initiative aimed at uplifting their livelihoods. Margaret Ekumo, a beneficiary, expressed her joy after receiving five goats, stating, “These goats will help uplift my standard of living as they reproduce and increase.”

Mark Werimo from the state department for livestock production noted that the restocking exercise is designed to enhance the living standards of the host community. Additionally, Wairimu Irungu, an assistant director at the department of livestock development, cautioned beneficiaries against selling the goats and urged them to care for the animals to ensure they reproduce and multiply.