Government distributes dairy cows in Siaya County to boost livelihoods

KENYA – Dairy farmers in the North Gem Ward in Kenyan Siaya County have received over 40 dairy cattle from the county government in an effort to improve their livelihoods.

The 43 cows were distributed through self-help groups at an event held at the Malanga sublocation assistant chief’s office in Gem Yala subcounty.

The initiative was reported by local authorities as part of a broader strategy to enhance dairy farming and boost household incomes in the area.

Philip Obonyo Oluoch, the North Gem Ward Member of the County Assembly, stated that the cattle were purchased using part of the ward’s development budget.

“Out of the Sh24 million set aside for North Gem ward development, we spent Sh7 million for this project,” he said, adding that his goal is to distribute 1,000 dairy cows to residents by the end of the year.

According to him, each member of a beneficiary group will receive at least a litre of milk daily, which translates to about Sh3,000 per month.

This amount he noted is slightly higher than the monthly stipend provided by the national government to elderly citizens.

Siaya County Assistant Director of Veterinary Services, Dr. Mark Otieno, confirmed that one of the 43 cows calved at the assistant chief’s camp.

He assured residents that veterinary officers were on-site to vaccinate the animals against foot-and-mouth disease, which is endemic in the area.

“Foot-and-mouth disease is an endemic disease in this locality, and we have to make sure that these exotic animals are protected against it,” he said.

He further noted that his department would conduct follow-up visits to ensure that the cows, which he described as strong and in good condition, adjust well to their new environment.

Local national government administration officials, including Malanga Sublocation Assistant Chief Millicent Auma Otieno and her Maliera Sublocation counterpart Nicholas Mudawo, commended the county government for the initiative.

They emphasized that the project would help improve the economic stability of the community by providing a steady source of income through dairy farming.

A report by the local administration highlighted the potential benefits of the program, including improved nutrition and increased financial independence for the beneficiaries.

Some of the recipients, including Michael Otieno Odoli and Jane Orek, expressed their gratitude for the support and affirmed their readiness to apply the training they received before receiving the dairy cattle.

They acknowledged the impact the project would have on their families and the wider community, with expectations that it would lead to long-term improvements in dairy farming practices and income generation.

The county government reiterated its commitment to expanding the program, ensuring that more households benefit from sustainable agricultural initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and economic resilience.