West Pokot County Distributes Galla Goats, Dorper Sheep, and Beehives to Boost Farmers' Livelihoods
In a bold move to transform local agriculture, West Pokot County Governor Simon Kachapin, alongside his deputy Robert Komolle, distributed over 1,700 livestock and 34 beehives to 219 farmer groups in a major effort to uplift farmers and improve livestock production.
The distribution, which took place at Nasukuta Export Abattoir in Chepareria Ward, included 1,272 Galla goats, 464 Dorper sheep, and 34 langstroth beehives. Supported by the Emergency Locust Response Program (ELRP), the initiative targets nine wards—Alale, Kiwawa, Kasei, Kapchok, Riwo, Chepareria, Weiwei, Lomut, and Masol—to boost agricultural productivity and resilience among local farmers.
Governor Kachapin stressed that this initiative was more than just giving livestock but part of a broader strategy to revolutionize farming in West Pokot. "This is about transforming our agriculture by introducing superior breeds that will meet market standards and significantly enhance the livelihoods of our farmers," he said.
The county’s CEC for Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Wilfred Long’ironyang, emphasized that this distribution is part of a phased approach to improve the county’s livestock breeds. “We are focused on raising the standards of our livestock to meet top market demands, ultimately increasing productivity and boosting the income of our farmers,” he noted.
Chief Officer for Agriculture, Naomi Lemreng, highlighted the county’s collaboration with ELRP, describing it as part of a broader effort to fortify agricultural systems. "Through this partnership, we are streamlining our extension programs and reinforcing the support we provide to our farmers, improving livelihoods across the county," she remarked.
Earlier, Governor Kachapin also distributed 11 high-quality dairy cows to schools in the highlands during a ceremony at Kishaunet Grounds. This effort is part of an initiative aimed at transforming farming practices in educational institutions. "These dairy cows are of the highest quality and represent a deliberate investment in modernizing farming in our highland areas," the governor added.
The county government has reaffirmed its commitment to similar initiatives, focusing on boosting both livestock production and the economic resilience of its communities.
The event saw the attendance of several key officials, including Emmanuel Akasile (Suam), Wilson Chekeruk (Masol), Joshua Chumel (Kiwawa), and Nominated MCA Agneta Kalepo, ELRP County Coordinator Thomas Wasike and among others.