The County Government in partnership with TUPADO and IRC have dispatched 2,845 bags of animal feed to support pastoral communities that were hard-hit by the drought in some areas of Turkana South and Loima Sub-counties.
The consignment which consisted of 50 kg bags of range cubes has been dispatched to parts of Lokichar, Loima and Lobei/Kotaruk Wards.
The three Wards were considered hard hit by the drought.
Speaking while flagging off the livestock feeds consignment, the Chief Officer for Livestock Development Dr Ezekiel Etelej said there is a need next time to consider supporting pastoralists across the county.
“Livestock is the cornerstone of pastoralists economy and the main source of income. Our efforts should be geared towards cushioning the pastoralists against the effects of the drought,” he said.
Chief Etelej observed the consignment was enough to sustain targeted livestock units in the identified areas.
He further added, “The County Government will also distribute drugs and vaccines to sustain animals affected by mysterious diseases.”
The Livestock Development Chief also urged livestock officers in the Sub-counties to provide accurate and timely reports, which he said, will inform on planning and monitoring of priority livestock programmes for the Department.
The supplementary animal feeds are part of the first phase of the Emergency Integrated Drought Response Programme in Turkana and Samburu Counties funded by USAID-BHA and implemented by TUPADO and IRC.
The County Director of Livestock Production Bobby Ewoi, appreciated TUPADO and IRC for supporting the Department, calling for enhanced partnership and collaboration in subsequent projects.
TUPADO Head of Programme, David Kangole reiterated for more collaborations, where he expressed his commitment to continuous support to the County Government.
Other partners who graced the event were represented by; Joseph Lotwel, NDMA and Josh Omuntu, IRC, who echoed the need for more strategic collaborations.
Livestock officers and support partners staff were also in attendance.
