The chairman of the livestock marketing council Dubat Amey addressing the press in Garissa town on Friday. He wants a ministry created for them. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
The pastoralist community has urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to consider creating a ministry for them that will seek to solve issues affecting them.
Chairman of the livestock marketing council Dubat Amey said President Kenyatta should create a ministry for them as he prepares to name his cabinet.
Addressing the press in Garissa town on Friday, Mr. Amey said counties in the arid and semi-arid regions (ASAL) contribute to the country’s economy and should not be ignored.
Mr. Amey further said the 14 ASAL counties voted overwhelmingly for President Kenyatta during the General Elections adding that they should benefit and see development in their regions.
According to the chairman, the community's population is currently estimated at about 10 million translating to nearly a quarter of the country’s population.
“Livestock deserves government protection and empowerment because it contributes to 12 percent of the country’s GDP and 23 percent of Kenyan population depend on livestock for their livelihood.”
“The 14 ASAL counties voted overwhelmingly for President Uhuru Kenyatta and its leadership and in return, we need something to be ploughed back to us. We are not lobbying for any particular individual nor are we demanding for the slot. All we are telling the President is for him to see the importance of such a ministry,” he said.
Mr. Amey said the new ministry will work closely with the county governments to ensure beneficial policies and programmes are implemented.
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