NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 21 – Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has rolled out a Sh70 million wholesale financing facility targeting livestock value chains in West Pokot, in a move aimed at deepening credit access for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in pastoral economies.
The funding, channelled through Eco Pillar Sacco under the De-Risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement (DRIVE) programme, is expected to unlock lending to livestock farmers, traders and processors across West Pokot and Turkana counties.
More than 80 percent of households in West Pokot depend on livestock and farming, making the sector a key pillar of the local economy. However, recurring droughts and climate shocks have continued to disrupt production and incomes, heightening the need for structured financing solutions.
The first tranche of Sh35 million has already been disbursed to 170 farmers, with youth and women accounting for 54 percent of beneficiaries, according to KDC.
“This is about delivering real solutions to real people in real time. West Pokot’s economy is anchored on livestock production and this investment is about strengthening productivity, stabilizing incomes and building long-term resilience,” said Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion Abubakar Hassan Abubakar.
KDC Director General Norah Ratemo added: “This facility is a practical tool to increase livestock productivity, boost incomes, and strengthen livelihoods. We are committed to ensuring that every shilling invested translates into measurable impact at the grassroots.”
The facility will finance livestock production, feed and fodder supply, animal health services, transport and value addition activities including milk, meat, hides and leather processing.
By deploying wholesale capital through community-based financial institutions, KDC seeks to position Saccos as last-mile lenders in arid and semi-arid counties, a model aimed at reducing risk while expanding formal credit penetration in underserved regions.
