The Government of Kenya and international collaborators have invested Sh 9.46 billion in a six-year project, the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP), aimed at boosting livestock farming for 110,000 rural households across 10 counties. The initiative focuses on enhancing productivity, creating employment, and improving food security, particularly for women and youth.
The Government of Kenya, alongside international partners, has allocated Sh 9.46 billion to enhance livestock farming for 110,000 rural small-scale farmer households in 10 counties. This six-year initiative is being executed through the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP), with financial backing from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Heifer International.
During a recent validation visit in Kakamega, Prof. Moses Kembe, the National Project Coordinator of KeLCoP, outlined that this project is centered on four primary value chains: indigenous poultry rearing, beekeeping, sheep farming, and dairy and goat meat production. This project aims to provide productive employment and food security, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized groups engaged in small livestock farming and local poultry farming.
The initiative focuses on bolstering opportunities for the rural poor, enabling them to enhance their productivity through livestock commercialization. The project encompasses several regions, including Kakamega, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Marsabit, Samburu, Busia, Siaya, Nakuru, and Trans Nzoia. By addressing income generation and nutrition security, the endeavor supports the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
In Kakamega County, specifically, the project is aiding 18,844 small-scale livestock households, emphasizing youth and women, across four commercialisation areas: Lugari (Lumakanda), Shinyalu (Isukha Central), Khwisero (Kisa Central), and Butere (Marama Central). The completion date for this project is anticipated to be in September 2027.
In summary, the Government and international partners have launched an extensive program to enhance livestock farming, aiming to uplift rural small-scale farmers. This initiative focuses on empowering vulnerable groups and supports the government’s broader agricultural goals. With substantial investment and a clear structure, the project promises to significantly improve livelihood and food security for participating households.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
