The Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has today launched a Sh15.9billion project that is aimed at addressing a myriad challenges faced by pastoral communities.
The project named De-risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement (DRIVE), is focused on laying a firm foundation and promoting development to reduce and gradually end dependence on aid.
The DRIVE Project will dignify farmers in the 21 Arid and semi-arid counties through ensuring farmers enjoy improved access to affordable index-based drought insurance and other financial services like savings and credit.
The DP said the launch is occasioned by Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment in spearheading reforms in different sectors in the Agricultural sector including coffee, tea, milk and livestock development.
It can be remembered that many Kenyans, especially pastoral communities, faced the adverse effects of drought and starvation experienced during the latest drought situation.
The DRIVE project, which targets 6 countries in Africa, is a major boost and complementary to the recovery efforts being put by the government, DP Gachagua said.
The Kenya Kwanza manifesto laid emphasis on Kenyans at the bottom of the pyramid and this project focuses on small scale Pastoralists.
“The government has also promised to link farmers to reliable markets while promoting youth and women in the livestock value chain through private-public partnership.” Gachagua added.
