The livestock destocking program, funded by the Government of Kenya, has started across drought-stricken counties.
The exercise will be carried out in Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, West Pokot, Baringo, Laikipia, Garissa, Makueni, Kajiado, Turkana, Wajir, Mandera, and Tana River.
The Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) and the Kenya Meat Commission are working together to carry out the program.
The agencies aim to slaughter over 26,710 cattle which will benefit an estimated 267,210 households affected by drought.
Following a protracted drought in October 2021, over 4.1 million Kenyans in 23 Counties—Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs)—currently require food assistance.
According to KRCS internal estimates and National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) reports, livestock losses have reached up to 70% in some areas of the 23 counties affected by the drought, including Ileret in Marsabit County.
Over the course of six weeks, this exercise will be carried out with the intention of reducing animal loss.
Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Asha Mohammed stated:
“I am pleased that so far, communities have reacted favorably to the program. By buying these weak animals, we not only give food to the hungry but also open up markets for the herders.”
Kenya Red Cross said that more cases need help and called on well wishers to step in and help.
“Communities have been brought to their breaking point by the drought, and we continue to appeal to all interested parties and well-wishers to band together and do something to ease this suffering.”
“The drought has continued to intensify with even more people falling under the bracket of those who need help.”
The Kenya Meat Commission is overseeing the program’s implementation and will continue to make sure that everything goes according to plan in each of the 13 counties.
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