Ruto said the project would empower the pastoral communities in arid and semi-arid areas and also create a disease free area/DPPS
LAIKIPIA, Kenya, Jul 30 — Deputy President William Ruto has launched a Sh8.3 billion project to support livestock farmers in pastoral areas.
The project jointly funded by the World Bank and the Government of Kenya focuses on vaccination of livestock to curb the spread of diseases, provision of water and identification of the animals to curb rustling.
The Deputy President said the Sh8.3 billion project would benefit farmers in 14 counties who depend on livestock to earn a living.
Ruto spoke in Muwarak, Laikipia North Constituency, Laikipia County where he also launched the last mile project to provide electricity to rural areas and opened the Muwarak Technical Training Institute.
He said: “The project will provide water for the animals and human consumption, vaccination, marketing of livestock and identification and tracking of livestock.”
The launch saw four Governors and 15 Members of Parliament from the region urge those in the opposition to join the Government.
They said the Jubilee Administration had policies that resonate with Kenyans and benefit them.
The leaders also called on neighbouring communities to live harmoniously and desist from engaging in criminal activities.
Ruto was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Willy Bett (Agriculture), Charles Keter (Energy) and Mwangi Kiunjuri (Devolution).
Governors Joshua Irungu (Laikipia), Ukur Yatani (Marsabit), Moses Lenoolkul (Samburu) and Godana Doyo (Isiolo) also praised the programme.
MPs who attended the launch include Senator Sammy Leshore (Samburu County), Mathew Lerpukel (Laikipia North), Sara Korere (Nominated), Joseph Samal (Isiolo North) Naisula Lesuda (Nominated) Fatuma Dullo (Nominated), Leitmalo Lakalei (Samburu East) Stephen Karani (Laikipia West), Jonathan Lati (Samburu West), Alois Lentoimanga (Samburu North), Maison Leshoomo (Samburu County), Jane machira (Laikipia County) and Tiya Galgalo (Isiolo County).
Ruto said the project would empower the pastoral communities in arid and semi-arid areas and also create a disease free area.
He said, “By establishing a disease free environment in Kenya we can make our products available for market outside the country.”
Ruto said the Government would also fund the construction of modern slaughter houses in several counties in the region.
