At least 24 households in the Songot sub-location have today received a boost through a restocking program implemented by the Agency for Pastoralists Development – APaD.

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and Danish Refugee Council(DRC) funded program targets to restock 200 households (each receiving six goats) in Songot, Kalobeyei, Lopur, and Letea in Turkana West Sub-county.

The County Executive for Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries, David Erukudi, presided over the restocking activity in Songot Ward, where he emphasized the importance of the partnership between APaD and the County Government.

He encouraged APaD to consider integrating water and livestock programs, especially in areas like Nariemeto, where residents are facing water challenges despite their efforts in growing pastures.

CECM reaffirmed the County Government’s commitment to collaborating with private actors to uplift livelihoods and stressed the necessity for a change in the approach of implementing programs to suit locals’ needs.

The County Director for Veterinary Services Dr. Benson Long’or commended the restocking program as timely and revealed that Songot would benefit from an upcoming livestock treatment intervention.

Livestock Production Director Bobby Ekadon assured of fairness in the selection of beneficiaries and urged recipients to diligently care for the livestock, as it would encourage future interventions by both the Government and Partners.

APaD’s Executive Director Sam Kimeli highlighted the Program’s focus on helping drought-affected and gender-based violence-impacted households to rebuild their livelihoods in the wake of disasters.

Kimeli stated that part of the program included supporting the host community and refugees by repairing boreholes to improve access to water as well as capacity building on beekeeping.

Also present were Department Staff from Turkana West, APaD’s Board Member, Peter Lolem, and DRC’s Peace-Building Officer Victor Lokutan