The Kenyan Government and international partners have launched a Sh 9.46 billion initiative to support 110,000 small-scale farmers in livestock production across ten counties. The Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP) focuses on four main value chains, providing employment opportunities and aiming to enhance food security. The project, which will conclude in September 2027, primarily targets marginalized groups, especially in Kakamega.
The Kenyan Government, alongside international partners, has invested Sh 9.46 billion to enhance livestock farming for 110,000 rural small-scale households across ten counties. This six-year initiative, known as the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP), is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Heifer International. The project aims to improve livestock productivity and boost incomes for participating farmers.
KeLCoP focuses on four primary value chains: indigenous poultry rearing, beekeeping, sheep farming, and dairy and goat meat production. According to Prof. Moses Kembe, the National Project Coordinator, the project emphasizes providing employment and food security opportunities, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized groups involved in small livestock farming and poultry.
Additionally, the project aims to support the government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda, which seeks to increase rural farmers’ incomes while enhancing nutrition and food security. Counties involved include Kakamega, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Marsabit, Samburu, Busia, Siaya, Nakuru, and Trans Nzoia. In Kakamega alone, the project reaches 18,844 small-scale livestock households.
The targeted areas in Kakamega include Lugari (Lumakanda), Shinyalu (Isukha Central), Khwisero (Kisa Central), and Butere (Marama Central). With an anticipated completion date of September 2027, KeLCoP is set to significantly impact the livelihoods of small-scale farmers and improve their ability to commercialize livestock.
In summary, Sh 9.46 billion invested in the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project aims to support rural farmers by enhancing livestock productivity and income. With a focus on key value chains and inclusion of vulnerable groups, the project intends to tackle food security and nutritional needs while aligning with the government’s agricultural transformation objectives. The initiative will notably benefit farmers in ten counties, particularly in Kakamega.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
