By Shammah Oketch
The County Government of Siaya hosted a supervision mission for the Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project (KeLCoP) at the Governor’s Boardroom.
The mission brought together KeLCoP partners and County Government officials to review the progress of interventions, discuss additional financing, and identify opportunities to scale successful initiatives across the county.
KeLCoP is a six-year project (2021–2027) jointly funded by the Government of Kenya, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Heifer International, participating financial institutions, and beneficiary communities. It aims to raise incomes for 110,000 poor livestock-keeping households—especially women and youth—in an environmentally sustainable manner across 10 counties, including Siaya. The project prioritizes climate-smart production and market development for indigenous chicken, sheep and goat meat, dairy goats, and apiculture (beekeeping).
In Siaya, interventions focus on selected wards in Bondo, Gem, Alego Usonga, and Rarieda sub-counties. Speaking during the mission, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock and Blue Economy Hon. Willis Ochieng’ noted that the county is performing well in implementing KeLCoP activities. He highlighted key investments such as the rehabilitated Bondo Slaughterhouse in North Sakwa Ward and the Arongo Water Pan in West Uyoma Ward.
The Bondo Slaughterhouse has created employment for 58 people. The upgraded facility, supported under KeLCoP, features improved slaughtering bays, a perimeter fence, a biogas system, and better waste management, enhancing hygiene, operational efficiency, and public health while supporting safer meat supply and local micro-enterprises. Complementary solar-powered borehole and piping infrastructure further strengthen water access for the facility and neighbouring communities.
The Arongo Water Pan supports improved water access for nearly 2,000 households. Constructed at a cost of approximately KSh 15.3 million with a storage capacity of 22,000 cubic metres, it provides a reliable source for domestic use, livestock, and small-scale irrigation, reducing water scarcity and boosting climate resilience in the area.
These form part of a broader package of KeLCoP-supported infrastructure in Siaya, valued at about KSh 46 million overall, which also includes the upgraded Ng’iya Livestock Market in South East Alego Ward. The modern market features sorting yards, an administration block, and a digital weighing machine, improving market access and incomes for farmers and traders.
Partners praised the county for the project’s positive impact in improving livelihoods and strengthening livestock value chains.
Also present at the mission were Chief Officer for Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development Hon. Joseph Oloo Mboha, Director for Governance Mr. George Okello, other County Government officials, KeLCoP representatives, and project partners.
The County Government reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with KeLCoP and its stakeholders to further strengthen livestock value chains, enhance livelihoods, and extend the project’s benefits across Siaya County.
