A livestock project initiated by Ekerenyo Ward representative Thadeus Nyabaro has run into difficulties following reported livestock deaths due to negligence by the beneficiaries.
Area livestock officer Thadius Bere said the farmers have been neglecting and starving the hybrid dairy cows and goats donated by the ward representative.
Mr Bere warned that failure to take good care of the animals may lead to the collapse of the project intended to improve milk production and livelihoods in the area.
While commenting on the challenges facing the project, director Dennis Kerandi confirmed that over 20 cows and goats, as well as an unknown number of poultry had died and they are looking forward to get a lasting solution so that they cannot face the losses any more.
He added that most of the livestock died of diseases like East Coast Fever, Nagana, and Trypanosomiasis among other diseases, while one was bitten by a snake and another one fell into an open borehole.
“I urge the farmers to strictly follow the advice given to them by livestock officials for them to reap benefits from this noble project,” said Mr Kerandi.
He said some farmers were still ignorant about livestock management and were underfeeding the animals besides failing to spray or taking them to cattle dips regularly making them weak and susceptible to diseases.