West Pokot and Turkana counties are set to benefit from a major boost in livestock financing as the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) unveiled a Ksh 70 million wholesale financing facility to Eco Pillar Sacco.
The facility is aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the livestock value chain, including production, trade, and value addition.
The cheque was handed over during a ceremony attended by key government and county officials, including the Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Governor of West Pokot County, Simon Kachapin, Principal Secretary for Public Works, Joel Arumonyang, KDC Director General Norah Ratemo, and DRIVE Project coordinator Maurice Ouma.
The initiative is part of the De-Risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement (DRIVE) Project, which focuses on deepening investment in livestock value chains, strengthening producer and cooperative institutions, and expanding access to sustainable finance in pastoral economies.
Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary Abubakar said the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusive growth through its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“This is about delivering real solutions to real people in real time. West Pokot’s economy is anchored on livestock production, and this investment is about strengthening productivity, stabilising incomes, and building long-term resilience,” he said.
Governor Kachapin emphasised that the facility would empower local communities and enterprises. “My administration will continue to support Saccos and the wider community to ensure they can access affordable financing opportunities such as the DRIVE Program by KDC. Through our combined efforts to expand access to credit, invest in trade infrastructure, and strengthen local enterprises, we are creating sustainable opportunities for economic growth,” he said.
Livestock production is the backbone of West Pokot’s economy, supporting over 80 per cent of the population. However, pastoral and agro-pastoral systems face challenges from recurring droughts and climate variability.
The Ksh 70 million facility will enable farmers and traders to access affordable credit for livestock production, feed and fodder, animal health services, transport, and value addition activities such as milk, meat, hides, and leather processing.
KDC Director General Norah Ratemo noted that the first tranche of Ksh 35 million has already reached 170 farmers, with 54 per cent of the beneficiaries being youth and women.
“This facility is a practical tool to increase livestock productivity, boost incomes, and strengthen livelihoods. We are committed to ensuring that every shilling invested translates into measurable impact at the grassroots,” she said.
Eco Pillar Sacco, which operates in both West Pokot and Turkana, is a key partner in delivering the funding to last-mile communities. Its CEO, Linus Lokira, said the support has already sparked high demand among members for loans under the Kilimo, Ufugaji, and Kilimo Biashara facilities.
“Through the remaining tranche, our members from West Pokot and Turkana counties are set to benefit greatly due to the high demand that is already there. Membership has grown as a result of the disbursement of funds, and this will continue to serve the community,” he said.
The partnership between KDC and Eco Pillar Sacco provides a model for how the Government can de-risk investments, empower community institutions, and deliver transformative impact.
The Ksh 70 million facility signals a continued commitment to strengthening pastoral economies, enhancing financial inclusion, and unlocking inclusive economic growth in West Pokot and beyond.
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