In a powerful push to fortify Kenya’s pastoral heartlands, the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has unleashed a KSh 70 million wholesale financing facility to Eco Pillar Sacco, targeting livestock value chains in West Pokot and Turkana counties. This major injection, delivered under the World Bank-backed De-Risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement (DRIVE) Project, is poised to transform livelihoods for thousands in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) long battered by climate shocks.
The ceremonial handover drew high-profile attendance, including Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, West Pokot Governor H.E. Simon Kachapin, Principal Secretary for Public Works Hon. Joel Arumonyang, KDC Director General Norah Ratemo, and DRIVE Coordinator Maurice Ouma. The event underscored a unified government drive to turn vulnerability into opportunity across pastoral regions.
PS Abubakar hailed the initiative as a direct embodiment of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, stressing immediate, tangible impact. “This is about delivering real solutions to real people in real time,” he declared. “West Pokot’s economy is anchored on livestock production, and this investment strengthens productivity, stabilizes incomes, and builds long-term resilience against recurring droughts.”
Governor Kachapin reinforced the county’s commitment, pledging ongoing support for Saccos and communities to tap affordable financing like DRIVE. “Through expanded credit access, upgraded trade infrastructure, and stronger local enterprises, we are empowering businesses and households so the people of West Pokot truly prosper,” he said.
With over 80 percent of West Pokot residents depending on livestock for food security, trade, and daily survival, the sector remains the backbone of the local economy. Yet persistent drought and climate variability have posed existential threats to pastoral and agro-pastoral systems. The new facility aims to change that trajectory by providing affordable credit for key activities: livestock production, feed and fodder supply, animal health services, transport, and value addition in milk, meat, hides, and leather processing.
Through DRIVE, KDC channels wholesale funds to trusted community institutions like Eco Pillar Sacco, which then extends loans directly to farmers, traders, women groups, youth enterprises, and pastoral households. This last-mile approach bridges critical financial inclusion gaps in remote ASAL areas.
KDC Director General Norah Ratemo spotlighted early successes: The initial KSh 35 million tranche has already reached 170 farmers, with 54 percent benefiting youth and women. “This facility is a practical tool to boost livestock productivity, lift incomes, and fortify livelihoods,” she affirmed. “We are committed to ensuring every shilling delivers measurable grassroots impact.”
Eco Pillar Sacco CEO Linus Lokira expressed optimism about the ripple effects. “These funds from KDC will uplift our members’ lives, with surging applications for our Kilimo Loan, Ufugaji Loan, and Kilimo Biashara facilities,” he noted. “High demand has already driven membership growth in West Pokot and Turkana, and the remaining tranche promises even greater benefits for our community.”
Praised for its solid governance and expanding reach, Eco Pillar Sacco stands as a reliable anchor for responsible capital deployment. The KDC-Sacco partnership offers a scalable blueprint: Government de-risks investments, empowers local institutions, and drives transformative change.
As Kenya reframes ASAL regions from zones of hardship to hubs of potential, this KSh 70 million commitment signals enduring dedication to resilient pastoral economies and inclusive growth.
Pastoralists, farmers, traders, youth, and women entrepreneurs in West Pokot and Turkana—now is the time to act. Join Eco Pillar Sacco today, explore the DRIVE-backed loans, and seize this opportunity to strengthen your livestock business, secure your future, and contribute to a thriving community economy. Contact Eco Pillar Sacco or visit KDC channels to get started—your path to greater prosperity begins here!
