The Government and international partners have invested Sh 9.46 billion to elevate livestock farming for 110,000 rural households in ten counties. The Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project focuses on indigenous poultry, beekeeping, sheep farming, and dairy and goat meat production, primarily benefiting women, youth, and marginalized groups. The initiative aims to enhance incomes and food security while adhering to the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
The Government, alongside international partners, has allocated Sh 9.46 billion to assist 110,000 rural small-scale farmer households in enhancing livestock production across ten counties. This six-year initiative, known as the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP), receives funding 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 for KeLCoP, highlighted that the project emphasizes four primary value chains: indigenous poultry, beekeeping, sheep farming, and both dairy and goat meat production. The initiative is particularly aimed at offering productive employment and promoting food security among women, youth, and marginalized individuals involved in small-scale livestock farming.
Prof. Kembe stated, “The project is focusing on improving opportunities for the rural poor to enable them to increase their output by starting the commercialisation of their livestock.” The project spans across Kakamega, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Marsabit, Samburu, Busia, Siaya, Nakuru, and Trans Nzoia, aligning with the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda.
In Kakamega County alone, the initiative supports 18,844 small-scale livestock households, particularly targeting youth and women across four designated commercialisation regions: Lumakanda (Lugari), Isukha Central (Shinyalu), Kisa Central (Khwisero), and Marama Central (Butere). Set to conclude in September 2027, this program seeks to enhance income and improve nutrition for rural communities.
The Sh 9.46 billion investment by the Government and international partners aims to enhance livestock production among rural small-scale farmers. The Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project focuses on key agricultural value chains and provides vital support to marginalized populations, especially women and youth. By promoting commercialisation, the project strives to transform rural economies and contribute to food security and nutrition improvements across multiple counties in Kenya.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
