Plans are underway to construct feedlots in the 490 wards in Arid and Semi-Arids lands (Asals) to cushion pastoralists from adverse effects of drought.
Asals and Regional Development PS Harsama Kello said the government was committed to addressing the effects of drought in ASAL areas where they bore the brunt of the loss of livestock as a result of perennial dry spell.
Kello was speaking in Sololo, Marsabit County during a public participation exercise for Walda Integrated Agro Pastoralism feedlot project.
“President William Ruto has issued a directive of constructing feedlots in 31 Asal counties. In the last five years, pastoralists lost over 2.5 million livestock which has resulted in people in those areas to be poor,” Harsama said.
He pointed out that the project in the 490 wards would cost Sh13 billion.
The PS said the government would prioritise the 10 counties of Garissa, Mandera, Tana River, Isiolo, Samburu, Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot, Wajir and Marsabit.
“President Ruto has directed that we start feedlot projects in 31 counties but we will prioritise 10 counties so that cattle can withstand perennial drought,” he said.
Walda Integrated Agro Pastoralism Feedlot project will cost Sh27 billion in Marsabit County.
It is being implemented by Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority.
It will be under 12,000 acres of land benefitting more than 1,000 livestock keepers in the region.
“We have got approval from Marsabit community to establish a feedlot in Walda aimed at supporting pastoralists in times of drought and especially now we are expecting La nina after the last El Nino season,” Harsama said.
The project is expected to stock more than 2,000 animals besides the farmers’ livestock which is a game changer for livestock keepers.
Residents who had donated their chunks of land for construction of the Walda feedlot project applauded the initiative saying it would create job opportunities for the youth and improve their livestock breed.
Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali applauded the project and urged residents to take ownership aimed at ensuring they recover from past dry seasons.
Marsabit County Commissioner James Kamau said the Walda feedlot project had more than 10 other components including cattle fattening, water points among others that will be of benefit to the community.
Residents said the project would create job opportunities for the youth, prevent them from drug and substance abuse due to idleness and strengthen the region's resilience to drought.