Livestock farmers in Laikipia County and its environs are expected to benefit from a new deal between KCB Foundation and the County Government of Laikipia that will guarantee them cheap loans and market opportunities.

This follows Tuesday signing of the deal between the two partners which is meant to optimize livestock productivity and boost sustainable food security by supporting livestock value chain players.

Speaking during the partnership agreement signing event held at Nanyuki town in Laikipia County, KCB Foundation Executive Director Jane Mwangi said that the initiative will see livestock farmers develop a profitable, sustainable livestock economy through interest free loans to livestock keepers in the meat, dairy, honey and fish value chains from the County.

“We are redefining livestock farming in the County. We hope to increase development in the livestock sector as this is one of the sectors earmarked and prioritised to drive the county’s economic agenda,” said Mrs Mwangi.

KCB Foundation has set aside at least Ksh 30 Million in interest free loans to the farmers.

KCB Foundation through its flagship Mifugo ni Mali programme has rolled out the project in Baringo, Taita-Taveta, Kwale, Narok, and Kilifi counties where remarkable strides in the livestock sub sector have been recorded. Established in 2014, the Mifugo Ni Mali initiative is a livestock program from KCB foundation designed to boost the livestock sector and eradicate extreme poverty in counties within the Arid and Semi-Arid regions.

Laikipia County Governor, Joshua Irungu, said his Government is committed to continuous engagement with the private sector and development partners to drive the developmental agenda of the county with regards to boosting the livestock sector.

“Livestock plays an important economic and socio-cultural role among many communities in the County as it contributes to food and cash needs of the farmers as well as providing employment opportunities.”

Some of the livestock activities in the County range from beef production, dairy farming, sheep and goats to apiculture,

The Governor noted that the livestock sector in the county has had various challenges, among them limited capital and access to affordable credit. The Other issues that curb this sector in the county include inadequate storage and processing facilities, diseases and pests, poor market infrastructure, reduced effectiveness of extension services and low uptake of technology.

The Governor added that the two year partnership will see these issues addressed, through strategic collaborations with the various cooperative societies within the County.