Lodwar, 1st August 2024 (Public Communications and Media Relations)
The County Government’s Department of Livestock Production, in collaboration with the Agency for Cross Border Pastoralists Development (APaD), held a one-day forum to address the increasing cases of donkey theft in the county.
The forum, supported by Broke East Africa’s “Donkey Welfare and Resilience Project,” brought together stakeholders, partners, sub-county administrators, council of elders, veterinary officers, and members of the Livestock Market Association (LMA).
The objective was to develop strategies to combat theft occurring at sale yard markets.
The County Chief Officer for Livestock Production, Dr Ezekiel Etelej, emphasized the need to support the Livestock Market Associations to curb thefts through the Rapid Results Initiative by providing licenses, animal movement permits, and fostering good relations between LMAs and the county government.
“The County Government is committed to supporting restocking programs to supplement animals lost through theft. Increasing funding in the 2024/25 financial year for this initiative has been considered,” Dr Etelej stated.
Dr Etelej also urged partners to collaborate with the county directorates of Trade and Peace, to address the issue and ensure that animal rights are properly observed.
The Director for Livestock Production, Bobby Ewoi Ekadon, highlighted that theft cases often begin at home, grazing areas, and continue to sale market yards.
He urged the ‘Nyumba Kumi’ members to be more vigilant in their communities, as security begins at home, making it easier to monitor stolen animals.
The APaD representative, Sam Kimeli, assured full support of the organization to address the pressing issues of livestock theft by conducting surveys and public awareness campaigns in hotspot areas to gather sufficient information for effective coordination and information sharing.
The meeting was attended by sub-county administrators, veterinary officers, the chairperson of the Livestock Market Associations, the council of elders, and representatives from various organizations.
