Wajir County has entered into a strategic partnership with Mercy Corps to strengthen livestock production and build resilience among pastoralist communities.
The collaboration falls under the Cross-Border Regional Livestock Program (RLP), which operates across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia to improve animal health services, rangeland management, and livestock-based livelihoods.
According to official communication from the Wajir County Government, the Wajir County Executive Committee Member for Roads and Transport, Issa Garore, formalised the partnership during a high-level meeting he chaired.
The Mercy Corps delegation was led by Dr. Diba Waqo, Regional Director of the RLP, and included key county officials such as the CECs for Trade and Cooperatives, the Chief Officer for Lands and Physical Planning, the Director of Partnerships and Donor Coordination, and representatives from the County Secretary and Governor’s Office.
A major focus of the program is scaling up livestock vaccination and animal health services through private-sector partnerships.
The initiative will also support local farmers in producing high-quality fodder to supplement traditional grazing systems, particularly during dry seasons.
Additionally, the program will establish Rangeland Management Committees in selected wards to promote sustainable land use, regeneration, and protection of grazing areas.
Another critical component of the collaboration is boosting the economic potential of camel milk by supporting local traders in increasing production, improving value addition, and accessing wider markets.
This effort is expected to enhance income opportunities for pastoralist communities while contributing to food security in the region.
The partnership is a commitment to strengthening Wajir’s livestock sector, which remains the backbone of the local economy.