Pastoralists receive Sh519m funding boost

Pastoralists in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) have received over Sh519 million boost through livestock value chain financing.

Speaking in Nairobi, Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) Director General Norah Ratemo, said the initiative aims at unlocking capital, building resilience and proving that Kenya’s pastoral economies are ripe for investment.

Through the DRIVE Programme, the funds have so far been disbursed to enterprises and value chain actors across more than 20 counties, including Marsabit, Isiolo, Laikipia, Samburu, Narok, Kajiado and Kwale, aimed at unlocking long-term value in marginalised regions.

The breakfast meeting brought together government officials, development partners, and private sector players under a shared mission - to transform pastoral regions from aid-dependent zones into thriving economic frontiers.

Spearheaded by KDC, in partnership with the State Department for Livestock and supported by the World Bank, DRIVE is unlocking capital, building resilience, and showcasing the viability of pastoral economies for sustainable investment.

“The DRIVE Programme is a flagship model of inclusive investment that is responsive to local realities,” said the KDC director general.

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From fodder production and feedlots to meat processing, leather manufacturing, aggregation, and livestock trade, DRIVE is fostering climate-smart, community-driven development across the entire livestock value chain.

“DRIVE is anchoring our shift from aid to enterprise,” stated the Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan.

“It provides a practical blueprint for de-risking frontier economies and attracting private capital through blended finance, concessional lending, and strategic partnerships.”

Supported by the World Bank, the DRIVE Programme is charting a course for blended finance solutions tailored for ASAL counties.

“This support is key to unlocking the economic potential of ASAL regions and promoting sustainable, investment-ready ecosystems,” said DRIVE Project Coordinator Maurice Ouma.