Baringo: The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is seeking $54 million in additional funding to bolster its projects in four arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL) counties in Kenya. The funding aims to enhance and expand the existing Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project (KELCOP) in areas where implementation has been suboptimal.
According to Kenya News Agency, IFAD Country Director Mariatu Kamara emphasized that the proposed funds, if approved, would be used to increase the coverage of wards and counties under IFAD’s initiatives. During a courtesy call on Baringo County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa, Kamara explained that the IFAD mission is assessing the counties of Nakuru, Marsabit, Baringo, and Samburu to identify and address challenges faced by farmers. The mission also seeks input from local communities to refine project implementation.
The KELCOP program, spanning ten counties, focuses on smallholding and commercialization projects such as drilling boreholes, growing pasture, poultry keeping, and apiculture. National government officials, including Director of Livestock Production Bishar Elmi and Kelcop Project Coordinator Dr. Moses Kembe, are part of the mission delegation. The project, funded by IFAD and the national government, aligns with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aiming to transform traditional livestock rearing into commercialized, climate-resilient systems.
County Commissioner Kutwa expressed gratitude to IFAD for initiating crucial projects in water-scarce areas, enhancing value addition in the livestock chain. Governor Benjamin Cheboi, who hosted the IFAD delegation, praised the initiative and suggested drilling 20 more boreholes in water-scarce regions to support pasture growth and combat drought effects. Cheboi highlighted the significant impact of development partners like Kelcop in improving infrastructure, disease control, and market access, which led to record sales at the annual Kimalel Goat Auction.
Governor Cheboi, accompanied by Deputy Eng Felix Kimaiyo and Agriculture County Executive Committee Member Risper Chepkonga, urged for more partnerships to support water accessibility and capacity building, enhancing productivity. The IFAD project, initiated in March 2021, is scheduled to conclude in March 2027.
