Turkana county is implementing an extensive livestock restocking programme that will benefit over 4,000 households who lost their animals through banditry or other causes like diseases.
The livestock restocking is an economic empowerment scheme being implemented by Governor Jeremiah Lomurkai to enhance the fight against poverty in the region.
Lomurkai says livestock rearing is the main economic activity for residents of Turkana and the loss of animals usually impacts negatively on the livelihoods of residents.
He spoke as residents of Katamanak village in Nakukulas, Lokori/Kochodin ward, expressed joy and relief following a livestock restocking initiative that saw 1,000 goats distributed to 114 vulnerable households.
The restocking exercise is part of the government’s ongoing effort to rebuild the livelihoods of pastoralist communities along the Nakukulas–Lopii–Lokwamosing corridor, which is an area frequently targeted by raiders from neighbouring regions.
Among the beneficiaries were two elderly brothers, Lokodos Elipan, 70, and Matakile Elipan, 60, who previously owned many camels but were rendered destitute after a raid in May 2024.
In a show of solidarity and communal goodwill, the local leadership and residents allocated 20 goats each to the two brothers and eight goats each to other affected households.
Another beneficiary, Nakauron Etiir, 65, who also lost his animals during the same raid, acknowledged the support and said he now feels more hopeful about the future.
Director of livestock Bobby Ekadon led the distribution exercise, saying the county was committed to ensure success and had put in place follow-up mechanisms to support the beneficiaries and monitor their progress.
“What we are doing is part of our broader county-wide livestock restocking programme aimed at restoring livelihoods and resilience among pastoralist communities in our county”, he said.
Ekadon said 20 sites have been earmarked for restocking and already 10 of the areas had been completed. The remaining sites are expected to be restocked before the end of the current financial year.
Lokori-Kochodin MCA Willy Napuyo thanked the government for responding to the needs of residents many of whom have been severely affected by insecurity and livestock loss.
He also noted that the identification and targeting of vulnerable households was community-led, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The county has also in the recent past completed restocking in several areas including Naukotlem and Nakatongwa villages in Katilia ward.
