President William Ruto announced the government’s plan to launch a nationwide livestock vaccination program. Set to commence in January next year, the campaign will target 22 million cattle and 50 million goats and sheep. The President made this declaration at the Maa Cultural Festival, held near the Samburu National Reserve in Samburu County, where he outlined a series of initiatives to support livestock farmers, bolster economic growth, and enhance social services.
Aiming for Disease-Free Livestock for Local and Global Markets
President Ruto underscored the livestock vaccination program’s importance, highlighting its potential to prevent diseases and secure lucrative international markets. “This will ensure we access both national and international markets for our livestock products,” he stated, emphasizing that healthy livestock is essential to strengthening Kenya’s agricultural exports. The plan aims not only to stabilize the livelihoods of livestock farmers but also to position Kenyan livestock products on the global stage, enhancing export revenues.
Government Support for Drought-Stricken Farmers
President Ruto also acknowledged the hardships faced by farmers in the drought-hit northern regions. He revealed that the government has allocated KSh1 billion for restocking livestock lost during the drought, ensuring vulnerable families receive essential support. As part of this initiative, 55,000 goats and sheep will be purchased and distributed to farmers, particularly benefiting households in dire need. “We are committed to ensuring that families who lost their livestock during the drought benefit from the government programme,” the President affirmed.
Leather Industry Revitalization
To further strengthen Kenya’s agricultural value chain, President Ruto announced the completion of leather industrial parks at Kenanie and Narok. This development marks a turning point in Kenya’s leather industry, ensuring that the country reduces the KSh10 billion lost annually due to unutilized leather. With these parks operational, Kenya stands to benefit from increased employment opportunities and enhanced local value addition, making the leather sector a viable export market.
Climate and Environmental Conservation
Acknowledging the vulnerability of arid and semi-arid regions to climate change, President Ruto stressed the need to protect the environment as part of the government’s broader development strategy. As drought-resistant seedlings become available, the government will ramp up tree-planting efforts, providing essential coverage to mitigate drought effects. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to carbon trading, assuring the community that 40 percent of carbon market proceeds would go directly to them, supporting local conservation projects.
Progress in Universal Health Coverage
President Ruto assured Kenyans that access to quality healthcare is a priority under his administration. He noted the government’s ongoing efforts to clear debts owed to the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) and to transition to the Social Health Authority. This restructuring aims to improve healthcare affordability, with plans for the government to subsidize costs for those unable to afford healthcare services. “Universal Health Coverage will become a reality under this administration because we have planned it well,” he said, underlining his commitment to inclusive healthcare.
Strengthening Education and Security in the Maa Community
As part of a strategy to drive inclusive development, President Ruto encouraged the Maa community to ensure that all children attend school. Highlighting education as the “greatest equaliser,” he cited the government’s new student-centered funding model, which offers financial assistance to students based on their needs, ensuring that everyone has access to education regardless of economic background.
To enhance security, President Ruto announced continued operations to address issues of cattle rustling, banditry, and other crimes affecting the region. His statement resonated with the gathered leaders, including Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano and Governors from various counties, who support measures to address these challenges.
New Ilchamus Sub-County for Improved Services
In a bid to improve access to public services, President Ruto announced the creation of the Ilchamus sub-county. This move aims to decentralize services, making it easier for residents to access essential government support.
With these initiatives, the government is demonstrating its commitment to empowering the Maa community and enhancing Kenya’s livestock industry. President Ruto’s address at the Maa Cultural Festival offered a comprehensive vision for improving livestock health, bolstering economic growth, and providing support in education and healthcare a plan that could significantly uplift vulnerable communities across Kenya.
