UK-based company partners with Turkana County to operationalise livestock breeding centre

A UK-based company, Sea Water Solutions/NARA, in collaboration with the Turkana County Department of Livestock, is set to operationalise the Kerio Livestock Breeding and Multiplication Centre.

The centre aims to transform arid landscapes into productive agro-ecologies through innovative and technological solutions, utilising saline water for fodder and crop production.

Dr Gilchrist Lokoel, the Chief Officer for Livestock Development, said the UK-based company would support the pastoral community through this sustainable development project.

“The Kerio Livestock Breeding Centre project will help increase the resilience of pastoralists. The project also focuses on rangeland and prosopis management in the region. As a department, we are keen to leverage technological expertise and collaborate with partners to expand land under production,” he said.

He emphasised the need for development partners to tailor their programmes to suit the targeted communities in the county.

Yanik Nyberg, the head of Sea Water Solutions/NARA, stated that a pilot project had been established at the centre, where the replacement of borehole pumps, solar systems, and the development of two fodder nurseries was initiated.

“In the next six months, we intend to scale up operations. We have engaged a consultant to conduct a pre-feasibility study to assess the environmental, social, policy, and economic opportunities of the project,” he said.

Bobby Ekadon, the County Director for Livestock Production, underscored the viability of the Kerio Centre project, which he said would have a significant impact on supporting the pastoral community.

He noted that once initiated, the project is expected to increase livestock survival, improve livestock health, and restore rangelands.

He further stated that the project would help rehabilitate degraded soils for fodder production, reduce pastoralist migration, and create job opportunities.