By Enock Kipturgut
The County Government of Baringo has launched incubators and backup generators worth Shs 3 million to benefit nine co-operative societies drawn from Kabarnet Ward. The move is aimed at enhancing poultry production.
One incubator accommodates 1056 eggs per hatchery. The benefitting cooperative societies include Soramoi, Kimoso, Seguton, Kiboino, Kapchepterit, Kokwomoi, Kaperterot, Jekame and Kewamoi.
The county government also launched nine motor bikes to ease transportation of field veterinary officers. The bikes were bought by Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Project.
Speaking during the launch of the incubators and backup generators, Baringo County Deputy Governor Jacob Chepkwony thanked members of Kabarnet ward for setting aside funds for the initiative through public participation.
He added that cooperative movements play a key role in catalyzing the economy through creation of wealth among farmers.
‘I urge all the benefitting Saccos to ensure the assets are well utilized so that poultry farmers and other entrepreneur farmers in value chain benefit,’ noted the DG.
He further revealed that the department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries development and Industry, Commerce, Enterprise and Co-operative Development is currently training farmers on Agribusiness, Financial Management and Business Development.
He said the County Government plans to build a standard slaughter slab for poultry and that the initiative is part of the county government’s quest to empower its members economically.
He urged society officials to be transparent and accountable to the investments of their members.
County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Cooperatives Development and Industry Mr. Clement Lomaring’oria called on Sacco leaders to manage the Saccos well.
He expressed regret that only 94 out of the 255 cooperatives in Baringo county are active. He further explained that the 94 active Saccos are struggling economically due to weak governance.
Kabarnet ward Member of County Assembly Ernest Kibet lauded the county government for economically empowering the members through poultry farming.
‘Poultry farming is a lucrative business that needs to be rolled out in all the wards across the County so that the livelihoods of the locals improves,’ he observed.
He thanked the county government for eradicating poverty at the ward level by setting aside ward funds to support members.
Also present during the launch were CECM Devolution, Public Service Management and Administration Mrs Scholar Kimeli and Baringo Central Cooperative Officer David Maina
