Too Late or Just in Time? State Moves to End Livestock Deaths Once and for All

The Government has announced plans to establish national animal feed reserves in a major policy.

Shifting aim at shielding livestock farmers and pastoralist communities from the devastating effects of recurring droughts.

The move follows years of heavy losses in arid and semi-arid regions. Prolonged dry spells have repeatedly decimated herds. These conditions have also undermined livelihoods.

According to official estimates, droughts in recent years have wiped out more than 2.5 million animals, translating into economic losses exceeding Sh50 billion.

The impact has been particularly severe in pastoral counties. In these areas, livestock remains the backbone of local economies. It is also a primary source of food, income, and cultural identity.

Under the new strategy, the government will stockpile animal feed during periods of surplus and good rainfall. This will ensure that emergency supplies are available when drought strikes.

The reserves are expected to stabilise livestock production, reduce mass animal deaths and cushion pastoralists from extreme price shocks during dry seasons.

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Officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort to shift from reactive disaster response to proactive risk management.

In the past, government interventions have largely focused on relief food and emergency aid after losses had already occurred.

The new approach aims to protect animals before conditions deteriorate, preserving both livelihoods and national food security.

Agriculture and livestock experts have welcomed the move, noting that feed shortages rather than lack of water alone are often the biggest drivers of livestock mortality during droughts.

By ensuring consistent access to fodder, the reserves could significantly improve animal survival rates and productivity.

Pastoralist leaders have also cautiously praised the plan while urging transparency, proper management and fair distribution to avoid past challenges linked to corruption and logistical failures.

They argue that if well implemented, the feed reserves could mark a turning point for drought-prone communities long trapped in cycles of loss and recovery.