Over 170 households in the Katilu and Lokapel villages of Aroo Sub-County, Turkana County, have received a total of 856 goats and sheep as part of a major restocking initiative aimed at restoring livelihoods lost to insecurity, disease, and drought. Each household received five animals to help them restart livestock farming and improve their food and income security.
In Lokapel, 30-year-old mother of three, Lobar Lokui, shared her joy and optimism for the future. With no previous source of income after losing her animals, the new livestock offers her a chance to rebuild. She expressed a strong commitment to care for the animals, hoping to eventually reach the level of self-sufficiency enjoyed by others in the region.
Another beneficiary, Eporon Awol, 45, recalled the hardship of losing all his livestock last year. Receiving goats, he said, marks the beginning of a new chapter. With renewed hope, he is ready to start over and work toward restoring his household’s wellbeing.
The distribution exercise was overseen by the County Government’s Department of Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries. Officials emphasized the program’s importance in rebuilding lives across Turkana, especially in communities hit hardest by recurring crises. The initiative is part of a broader countywide effort to support pastoralists and strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities.
The Department noted that 20 high-risk areas across Turkana County have been identified for assistance. Katilu and Lokapel were prioritized due to the severe impact of drought, livestock diseases, and localized insecurity. Alongside restocking, officials also revealed that certified seeds will be distributed soon to support small-scale farming, with the aim of boosting household food production.
The selection of beneficiaries was conducted through a community-led process, supported by local leaders and development partners. Officials involved in the planning assured residents that transparency and fairness were key to ensuring the most vulnerable households received support. By engaging the community, the selection process sought to enhance accountability and foster a sense of ownership among locals.
With the animals now in the hands of families, expectations are high that this initiative will reduce the region’s reliance on food aid. Officials anticipate that the restocking program, coupled with improved livestock market access and veterinary services, will help stabilize rural economies and promote sustainable livelihoods in pastoral communities.
The program has also provided opportunities for local youth groups. The Forty-One Champions Youth Group, based in Turkana, was contracted to supply the animals for the restocking effort. Their involvement marked a significant shift from previous procurement practices that often favored large and well-established contractors. The group’s chair, a 30-year-old local entrepreneur, welcomed the opportunity as a milestone for youth empowerment and inclusive development.
The initiative is part of a Kshs 50 million investment drawn from the Ward Development Fund, reflecting the county leadership’s commitment to investing in long-term recovery and food security. Local representatives reaffirmed their support for such grassroots programs, highlighting the importance of collaboration between community members, government agencies, and youth groups in building resilient and self-reliant rural communities.
With animals now safely distributed and further agricultural support on the way, Turkana’s recovery journey continues. The hope is that through such efforts, communities will not only survive but thrive despite the harsh challenges of the arid and semi-arid environment.
