BY HESBOUN ETYANG
Over 50,000 pastoralists in Turkana are set to benefit from the two ongoing construction of modern Livestock markets.
Turkana County in conjunction with USAID organisation came together to construct two big modern Livestock markets in Lodwar and Kakuma to boost business economy in Turkana county.
Turkana Cec for Agriculture,pastoral,economy and fisheries Christopher Aletia on Saturday disclosed that a survey was contacted by County team and USAID revealed pastoralists have been conned several by Middlemen who don’t give the actually price of livestock at the market.
“Idea of coming up with two big modern livestock market was the right idea. Pastoralists have been loosing a lot to the middlemen who get into interior region to buy livestock at a cheaper price then sell them at lucrative price for their own benefit.”he said.
He said pastoralists will be able to get right prices as they will interact directly with consumer once the market is completed.
Aletia said the Lodwar modern livestock market is expected to help more than 10,000 households and Kakuma modern market to serve over 8,000 households together with refugees at Kakuma camp.
He said one household in Turkana contains at least eight people, thus Lodwar and Kakuma market will serve over 50,000 pastoralists in Turkana.
“Its going to be a busy market and more people will benefit. A close to sh.5 million will circulate to the market. Its also one of the big four agendas of the state to improve food security.”he said.
Aletia said within the market they will have veterinary services office as the ministry of pastoral ,economy and fisheries will have staff to offer veterinary services.
He added that pasture for livestock will also be sold at at market and other business.
Samuel Edukon a pastoralist, a resident of Lodwar said the livestock market will boost their business as they will see more pastoralists from different regions flock to the market with livestock.
“Its a kind of modern market found in other big places. It will be a boost Security to our livestock since the market has wall fence.” said Robert Ekaale a resident of Kakuma.
Director for Rotalink Engineering company Emmanuel Rutto said Lodwar livestock market its a kind of a modern market that has cost a total of Sh. 41.8 million for the construction.
“We have completed the construction of Lodwar livestock market as we were given six months for construction by client. We also created job opportunities to over 100 youths both skilled and unskilled at our site.” he said.