Kagwe unveils Sh2.1bn livestock plan ahead of El Niño
The plan targets 24 flood-prone and livestock-rich counties following advisories by the Kenya Meteorological Department pointing to an increased likelihood of enhanced rainfall.
NAIROBI, Kenya - The Kenyan government unveiled a Sh2.1 billion livestock preparedness plan ahead of the potential impacts of El Niño, aimed at safeguarding farmers and pastoral communities. The majority of the funds will be allocated towards vaccines, veterinary medicines, and emergency response equipment. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe emphasized the importance of proactive measures, stating that the plan targets 24 flood-prone and livestock-rich counties following the Kenya Meteorological Department's warning of increased rainfall, flooding, and flash floods.
Kagwe highlighted the government's determination to avoid the 2023 El Niño and 2024 long rains' devastating consequences on the livestock sector. Of the Sh2.1 billion, Sh1.5 billion will be used for procuring and pre-positioning essential items in targeted counties, while Sh250 million will be dedicated to protecting critical livestock infrastructure.
The remaining funds will support early warning systems, evacuation, welfare operations, feed reserves, and farmer awareness campaigns. Protecting livestock is crucial for the livelihoods of millions of Kenyans, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The plan follows the One Health framework, integrating human, animal, and environmental health surveillance to manage zoonotic disease risks during flooding.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
