By Jerry Abuga

KCB Foundation’s livestock value chain programme, Mifugo Ni Mali, targets livestock keepers in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) with a view to commercialising the sector and transforming it into a vibrant segment where livestock producers can realise maximum returns.

KCB Foundation has reaffirmed its position in promotion of livestock value chain in Laikipia County, one of Kenya’s leading meat producers.

The Foundation, through its livestock value chain programme Mifugo Ni Mali partnered with the County Government of Laikipia, Mugie Conservancy and Kenya Markets Trust to bring together livestock value chain players at the third annual Mugie Rangeland and Pastoral Show held at Mugie Ranch in Laikipia County on 8th June 2019.

The show brought together livestock value chain players in sustainable livestock and rangeland management value chains, with a view to supporting commercialisation of livestock value chains and integration of pastoralists into the mainstream red meat value chain.

It also provided a platform to explore opportunities for collaboration to unlock and open up the extensive livestock investment opportunities in Laikipia County.

Pastoralist communities from Baringo, Samburu, Isiolo and Laikipia Counties attended the show where they also showcased the rich cultural diversity in the area as a way of promoting peace and coexistence.

Alongside the exhibition was the Laikipia Livestock Investment Roundtable with the Laikipia County Governor Hon Ndiritu Muriithi and a panel discussion on private sector led collaboration to unlock the County’s livestock opportunities.

KCB Foundation’s Programme Manager Benard Barasa, Nyahururu Branch Service Quality & Compliance Manager Joel Barmao and Maralal KCB Branch Manager Johnstone Kirui participated in the roundtable.

The discussions mainly focused on opportunities for business and partnerships in the livestock sector, rangeland rehabilitation and improved livestock businesses.

The Foundation assured the Governor and livestock sector players of its continued support towards raising the regional pastoralist economies through promoting and raising awareness of techniques and approaches in sustainable rangeland management, animal husbandry and rural livelihoods.

“Our aim is to raise the regional pastoralist economies by promoting and raising awareness of techniques and approaches in sustainable rangeland management, animal husbandry and rural livelihoods. Laikipia County has provided us another opportunity to highlight the opportunities for growth that lie within the sector thanks to sustainable practices”, said Barasa.

He reiterated KCB Foundation’s commitment to support livestock farmers through financial access and strengthening of governance structures of co-operatives and ranches.

Governor Muriithi commended KCB Foundation for its efforts in supporting livestock farmers in Laikipia County to commercialise the sector, hence enabling them to realise maximum returns from their produce.

The Foundation is working with livestock farmer’s cooperatives and ranches in Laikipia County through, among others, offering financial access and strengthening of governance structures of the collectives.