Golden Valley Cooperative Society seeks partnership with the County Government to promote value addition on livestock and related products in Turkana East.
In a meeting with the County Government, Good Valley Cooperative in a bold step to strategize on the implementation of the project, presented a model in which pastoralists in Turkana East and more specifically along the livestock grazing area of Kasarani in Suguta Sub-county would benefit from livestock trade, meat processing, and sales despite the many challenges resulting from insecurity incidences.
In his presentation, George Ngenga said the Valley Cooperative was seeking the partnership of the County Government, before engaging the locals of Turkana East for buy-in of the concept and possible allocation of land for execution of the Project.
Ngenga added that the Project would integrate a peacebuilding component by promoting the participation of the neighboring communities from West Pokot, Samburu, and Baringo alongside the Turkana Community from the newly formed Suguta Sub-county.
Speaking during the meeting, the County Executive for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing, and Urban Areas Management, Peter Akono welcomed the idea but called for patience to allow for further consultation with the locals.
CECM Akono expressed the need for public participation on the potential benefits of the project.
The County Executive for Pastoral Economy, David Erukudi, said that such a project would help transform livelihoods in the area and help support services like pasture reseeding and livestock markets.
CECM Erukudi re-echoed the need for further consultation with the area’s residents on the matter. He described the consultation as the only way to actively involve members of the public in the affairs of the Cooperative Society.
On his part, the Chief Officer for Trade Enterprise and Cooperatives, Samuel Ekale, said the entry of a new Cooperative would add to the already existing Cooperatives in Turkana East as it would boost the trade investment in the area.
“We fully support the operations of Golden Valley Coop. Society helps to create wealth through livestock market days, and livelihood strengthening. This is a build-up to the 9th-Point Agenda on strengthening the Collaboration and Partnerships Agenda”. Chief Ekale said.
Chief Officer for Lands, Physical Planning and Housing, Leah Losiru was also present during the meeting at St.Teresa Pastoral Centre, Lodwar.
