Lodwar, March 16, 2026 (Governor’s Press Service)
The County Government of Turkana has launched the distribution of supplementary livestock feeds and the deployment of veterinary vaccines and drugs as part of an emergency response to the ongoing drought affecting pastoral communities.
Governor Dr. Jeremiah Lomorukai presided over the launch, saying the intervention which is supported by Concern Worldwide, was aimed at protecting livestock and safeguarding pastoral livelihoods as the county continues to experience the effects of prolonged drought.
The drought has caused severe shortages of pasture and water, forcing approximately 69 per cent of livestock herds to migrate to distant grazing areas, including parts of Northern Uganda.
Governor Lomorukai said the programme would prioritise livestock that remain near homesteads, particularly lactating animals, breeding stock and young animals, which are most vulnerable during drought periods.
“Our pastoral economy depends on livestock, and protecting breeding stock during drought is critical for recovery once the situation improves. This intervention will help maintain livestock body condition, improve milk production for household nutrition and reduce livestock mortality, ” he said.
Acting Chief Officer for Livestock Development Peter Ikaru said the county was working closely with partners to support drought response efforts.
He noted that Concern Worldwide, in partnership with the County Government, was distributing 6,660 bags of 50kg supplementary livestock feeds to 3,330 vulnerable households in Turkana East, Turkana Central, Loima and Turkana North.
Each household is set to receive two bags of supplementary feeds.The county has also stepped up livestock vaccination, deworming and treatment to address the increased prevalence of diseases triggered by drought conditions and livestock migration.
The vaccination programme will target priority diseases affecting sheep and goats, including Pestes des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), particularly in drought-affected wards such as Kerio, Kangatotha, Kaeris, Lapur and Kaaleng/Kaikor.
The Governor said the county would continue strengthening veterinary services and working with partners to build resilience among pastoral communities.
Concern Worldwide Project Manager Isaac Ekuwom and Turkana Central Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kikorir attended the launch.
Senior County Officials present during the launch included Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Benson Long’or, Director of Livestock Production Bobby Ekadon Ewoi, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Erenius Nakadio, Deputy Director of Livestock Production Josephine Emase and Assistant Director of Livestock Production Earnest Anzenze.
