By Samson Wire
In Siaya County, the Nyalore administration under Governor James Orengo has kicked off a targeted livestock enhancement initiative, distributing high-yield sheep breeds to local farmers. Led by the Department of Agriculture, Food Security, Livestock, and Blue Economy, the three-day programme, in partnership with the Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project (KeLCoP), aims to elevate commercial livestock production and improve rural livelihoods.
The rollout began in Uyoma and North Sakwa, where 37 breeder sheep—primarily Dorper (often referred to as Dopper) breeds—were handed over to farmer groups on the first day. Dorper sheep, renowned for their adaptability to varied climates, rapid growth, high meat yield, and nutritious milk production, are seen as ideal for boosting both meat and dairy outputs in the region. Subsequent days expanded to include breeds suited for dual-purpose milk and meat production, alongside poultry elements to diversify farming options.
Chief Officer Dr. Elizabeth Adongo emphasized the breeds’ productivity, noting their potential to generate economic value through milk, meat, and by-products. She highlighted the administration’s focus on agricultural transformation, stating, “We need to modernize the process, come up with the best decisions and activities for best productions.” Adongo thanked KeLCoP partners, development collaborators like Kibos breeders for supplying exotic and improved local breeds, and the project team for their success in implementation.
The initiative aligns with broader county goals under the Nyalore manifesto to promote gainful employment, commercialization, and integration of livestock with other farming activities. Farmers received advice to leverage gains as economic assets for access to bank and institutional support, while adopting modern best practices. Adongo urged alignment with development changes, including the county’s Smart Farm initiative, which provides extension services, training on disease control, seeds, fertilizers, and risk management—especially timely amid the long rains for higher yields.
KeLCoP, a six-year project funded by the Government of Kenya, IFAD, Heifer International, and others, targets income growth for smallholder livestock households across counties including Siaya. It supports value chains like sheep production in an environmentally sustainable way, benefiting youth and women particularly.
The event drew key figures, including KeLCoP County Project Coordinator Dr. Mark Otieno, Director of Veterinary Services Dr. George Otieno, and other sector players. This distribution serves as a symbolic step toward economic prosperity, with promises of further support to farmer groups countywide.
Siaya’s push reflects national efforts to commercialize livestock, addressing challenges like low productivity while harnessing partnerships for resilient, market-oriented farming. As the programme unfolds, it underscores the county’s commitment to food security and inclusive growth.
