Katilu|Lokapel, April 18, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
Over 170 targeted households in both Katilu and Lokapel villages did not hide their excitement after the County Government distributed 856 shoats in Aroo Sub-county. Each household received five goats. This was geared towards restoring them back to the position they were before the adversaries of insecurity, diseases and drought hit them hard in the area.
Lobar Lokui, 30, a mother of three, a beneficiary from Lokapel said this, “I praise our government for this favour to most of us who almost had nothing. I now have something to provide for my family. I will take care of these animals until I become well off like other people.”
Another beneficiary, Eporon Awol, 45, testified, “I have been a poor man after the neighbors drove away all my animals last year. I now have the goats to restart my life, and for this reason, may this government live long.”
Leading the team during the restocking exercise, the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries, Wangiros Longole highlighted the commitment of the County Government in rebuilding the livelihoods of pastoralist community across the county.
“The County Government through Directorate of Livestock Development, is fully dedicated to rebuild the livelihoods of pastoralists, by implementing a countywide livestock restocking program, which is part of the bigger plan, that aims at supporting households affected by livestock losses as a result of drought, disease, and conflict,” remarked CECM.
This ongoing program, he added, prioritizes 20 high risk areas in Turkana, several of which have already benefited. Katilu and Lokapel households, Longole revealed, were intentional to have them benefit out of the livestock restocking, while offering immediate relief and long-term resilience to the vulnerable community.
On Agriculture, the County Executive assured residents of the distribution of certified seeds in the next two weeks for timely farming. He told them to intensify efforts in farming to enhance food security at household level.
The area Member of County Assembly, who is also the Chair of House Committee on Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries, William Etubon said, the livestock restocking in Katilu Ward is out of his plan to invest Ksh 50 million of Ward Development Fund to livestock and agricultural projects with intention of intensifying food security.
Recognizing the need for unity of purpose, Hon. Etubon, reiterated his stand to work together with the Governor and entire county leadership for seamless working relationship for the benefit of his people.
Emphasizing on the transparency in targeting and distribution of restocking process, the Director of Livestock Production, Bobby Ewoi says working with stakeholders has helped in ensuring the process is community-led and enhances fairness and accountability in the whole activity.
Additionally, Ewoi expects, Katilu, Lokapel, Loyapat, Kakongu (Turkana South and Aroo), Lokosimekori, Karuko, Naukotlem and Nakatongwa, (Turkana East) and Kanang’or in Turkana North would have less dependence on food aid and local livestock markets and businesses would fully emerge. This success, Director said, drive the Department’s continued investment in the restocking plan.
Expressing gratitude to the local leadership and the County Government, the Forty One Champions Youth Group contracted to supply and deliver the shoats for restocking in Lokapel, was considerably impressed to be awarded the contract for the first time since its establishment.
Lawrence Silale, 30, the Chair of the Group, says, he is conveying the group’s happiness to the county government for accepting to award the tender to supply the goats for the first time, contrary to the previous times, where well-muscled and known individual contractors benefited from the county tenders.
Present during the exercise included, Josephine Emase (Deputy Director, Livestock Production), John Njuguna (Sub-county Veterinary Officer), Beatrice Atieno (Sub-county Livestock Production Officer), Mark Kotol (Katilu Ward Administrator) and host of Village Unit administrators.
