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{
    "id": 381585,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/381585/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 82,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Professor, I found out that your name means a big, multi-coloured bull with big, curved horns. So, the importance that pastoralist communities attach to livestock cannot be under estimated. Even though we say that the livelihoods of the pastoral communities depend on livestock, if this sector is supported, the livelihoods of Kenyans and the whole nation could depend on livestock. If we choose to support this sector in the same way we support cash crops like coffee, tea, pyrethrum and even tourism--- If we choose to set aside money that will be given either as grants or soft loans, and we help these communities to form Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOS), they can either collectively or individually access money when they want to increase their stock, buy animal feed during drought, relocate from one area to the other or build an enclosure. But what we have done as a nation is to leave this entire sector to those who we cunningly refer to as pastoralist transporters, associated operators and chambers of commerce, public and private sector animal health service providers and community based organizations that are engaged in the sub-sector. They do not have access to agricultural extension officers; nobody gives them access to any loans of any manner and so, we, as a nation, want to behave as if this is something that should be taken care of by the pastoralists themselves. This is something that can actually feed this nation. It can generate revenue and create employment. These pastoralists have got a very vibrant economy that largely depends on livestock. So, while we look for grants elsewhere or we look upon the West to sometimes feed us in times of drought, we have drought resistant indigenous cows that can be supported and help us feed ourselves. We have heard that during droughts, we have some Kenyans who even eat grass and yet we have livestock that can be used to access cheap meat. I do not want to repeat myself, but quickly suggest that we should set aside funds in the manner that we have the CBK. Those involved in the farming of coffee only have to give a title deed and confirm that they have a coffee farm to access cash. What can we do to support these people? We should set up SACCOs and ensure that anybody with 10, 20 or 50 cows and can prove that he actually depends on them, access some cash set aside specifically to support livestock farmers. We should also ensure that we send veterinary extension officers. If they are pastoralists, these officers should be able to move with them from time to time and from place to place to ensure that the animals are well taken care of. As suggested by this Motion, we should also create Livestock Disease Free Zones, not just in counties that have been referred to as pastoralist counties, but in all the counties. I believe that every county is able to support livestock of any kind. Some will support livestock that can survive in drought areas, but some will also support livestock that cannot survive in drought areas. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, I think the Government should ensure that these farmers access finance, basic education on how to improve the number of their flock and basic infrastructure. Even pastoralists need basic infrastructure. It would not cost us so much to ensure that each time they move from one place to the other, we ensure a dip is built for them and maybe sink a well so that the animals are able to get water. It would also not The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}