The Government of Kenya, together with international partners, has invested Sh 9.46 billion to support 110,000 rural small-scale farmer households to enhance livestock production across 10 counties. The six-year Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP) aims to boost incomes and food security, focusing on key value chains such as indigenous poultry, beekeeping, and sheep farming, with significant emphasis on empowering women and youth.
The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with international partners, has allocated Sh 9.46 billion to enhance livestock farming for approximately 110,000 rural small-scale farmer households across 10 counties. This initiative aims to elevate livestock production and boost the incomes of these farmers, contributing significantly to local economies and communities.
This six-year initiative, known as the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP), is funded by 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, emphasized the project’s focus on four primary value chains: indigenous poultry, beekeeping, sheep farming, and both dairy and goat meat production.
The program prioritizes opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized groups engaged in small-scale livestock production. It seeks to enhance food security and productive employment through the commercialization of livestock. 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 targeted counties include Kakamega, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Marsabit, Samburu, Busia, Siaya, Nakuru, and Trans Nzoia. In Kakamega alone, the initiative supports 18,844 small-scale livestock households, particularly benefiting youth and women across various commercialisation zones such as Lumakanda and Isukha Central.
The KeLCoP is anticipated to conclude in September 2027, aligning with the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda. The project’s overarching goal is to increase income among rural small-scale farmers while simultaneously enhancing nutrition and food security within these communities.
In conclusion, the partnership between the Government of Kenya and international entities to invest Sh 9.46 billion in the livestock sector signifies a robust commitment to improving the livelihoods of rural farmers. Through the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP), thousands of small-scale farmers will benefit from enhanced production, food security, and economic opportunities. The initiative is set to have a lasting impact on the agricultural landscape and the communities involved.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
