Nairobi,KENYA:The Government has announced to pay a total of shs 319 million to livestock farmers in Arid and Semi-Arid areas of the country to help in mitigating the effects of harsh weather conditions that affects livestock.
Addressing journalists in Nairobi on Wednesday, Livestock and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett has announced that the money is part of a program by the ministry to cushion farmers from the risk of natural disasters especially famine and drought.
The first disbursement of shs 215 million was done earlier in the year targeting 6 counties that include,Marsabit,Wajir,Tana river,Turkana,Mandera and Isiolo.
“The program has been successful as it has been able to reach 500 families making up 30,000 people in areas like Turkana, Wajir, Isiolo and Marsabit.” Pointed Bett.
He urged private insurance companies to come on board and take advantage of the opportunity to insure both livestock and crops to upscale the initiative..
The CS further said that the government has partially lifted the ban on poultry imports from Uganda that had been placed at the beginning of the year due to the outbreak of the Avian Flu between the two countries.
He assured that Kenya will resume trade on poultry from three facilities in Uganda that has complied with the standard specifications needed.
“The three facilities identified to comply with high quality standards include Utani Maji holdings, Afro-chics and Kuku Chics.” Said Bet
Poultry arriving in the country from Uganda will bear the Kenya Bureau Mark of quality.
