Noreb governors lift ban on livestock trade

A ban on livestock markets and trade has been lifted in the eight North Rift counties.

They were closed immediately when the first case of Covid-19 was reported in March to prevent spread of the virus.

Speaking Wednesday after lifting the ban, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo said the ban was lifted in consultation with other governors in the North Rift Economic Bloc.

Lonyangapuo said Noreb governors met last week and decided to lift the ban.

“We have lifted the ban but traders should observe the guidelines to help curb spread of the virus,” he said.

Most Noreb counties depend on livestock keeping and the ban had hurt livelihoods as crowds were banned and social distancing required, among other measures.

“We reviewed the ban and resolved to open the markets among member counties and beyond with immediate effect to help boost income at the household level,” the governor said.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, West Pokot has concentrated on vaccination and renovated more than 300 cattle dips to control livestock diseases, notably those transmitted by ticks.

More than 500,000 goats, sheep and camel have been vaccinated.

“We have vaccinated animals against various diseases and most farmers will reap huge profits now that we have officially opened our markets," Longyangapuo said.

The aim is to make the county a disease-free zone so that healthy livestock can be sold to a new slaughterhouse and exported to other counties and internationally.

Livestock trader Caleb Lomala said the ban had hurt business greatly.

“We solely depend on livestock trade. Some of us had taken loans to finance the business and the abrupt ban resulted in huge losses," he said.

(Edited by V. Graham)