[Herders at a grazing filed with their animals. Kenya meat commission will from Thursday start buying livestock in Isiolo county to cushion pastoralists as drought bites the region.] (Photo/Star)
The Kenya Meat Commission will from today, Thursday start purchasing livestock in Isiolo County to cushion pastoralists as drought bites the region.
The Sh45 million livestock off take programme will see the purchase of about 3,000 head cattle.
Goats will be bought and slaughtered to feed hungry families in the county.
Out of Sh100 million set for the programme in 25 counties, Isiolo got the lion's share, according to the county chief George Natembeya.
Natembeya said herders will not incur huge losses as animal will be dying due to lack of pasture and water that has been caused by the prolonged drought.
"Drought situation is worsening and many livestock may die. The government will buy livestock to at least burden the herders from making huge losses", he said.
Drought has hit Isiolo County as herders are migrating from place to place in search of pasture and water.