This archive report was first published on 12 January 2020.
On January 12, 2020, the Kajiado County Government, in collaboration with the World Bank, launched a grant program aimed at empowering herders to adopt modern farming technology.
The non-revolving fund, worth Ksh 44 million, is being offered to groups comprising men, women, and youth, unlike most funding initiatives that target specific groups.
The Kenya climate-smart Agriculture project targets community micro projects and began by providing intensive training to chamas and other groups that qualified for the funds.
Speaking during the launch, the farmers expressed their gratitude for the initiative, stating that it will make farming more profitable.
Herders in the region have been affected by climate change, making traditional livestock keeping unsustainable. The initiative is expected to transform livelihoods and increase agricultural productivity in the targeted smallholder farming and pastoral communities in Kenya, including the Maasai community in Kajiado.
Among the projects being undertaken by the beneficiary groups are farming tomatoes, onions, and rearing dairy animals in joint ventures, with the proceeds shared among the participants.
Kajiado Governor praised the initiative, stating that it will transform the county economically, considering the impact of diverse climatic changes on the region.
