NAIROBI, Kenya, September 11, 2026 – The government has set aside Sh2.1 billion to help protect livestock farmers and pastoral communities from the expected effects of El Niño and increased rainfall.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the funds will support early preparations in 24 counties considered vulnerable to flooding and home to large livestock populations.
The largest allocation, Sh1.5 billion, will go towards vaccines, veterinary medicines, laboratory supplies, mobile veterinary clinics and emergency response equipment. The measures are aimed at preventing and managing diseases that may increase during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, including Rift Valley Fever.
Another Sh250 million will be used to safeguard key livestock facilities, including cattle dips, markets, slaughterhouses, milk cooling centres, laboratories and feed stores.
The government has also allocated Sh100 million for early warning systems, climate risk mapping and emergency communication, while another Sh100 million will support livestock evacuation, welfare and logistics.
A further Sh50 million will be used to create strategic feed and fodder reserves, rehabilitate water points and provide emergency water supplies. The remaining Sh100 million will support farmer awareness, biosecurity measures, livestock insurance sensitisation and contingency planning.
Kagwe said the initiative was informed by the heavy livestock losses experienced during the 2023 El Niño rains and the 2024 long rains, adding that the government wants farmers and pastoralists to prepare before disasters occur.
The targeted counties include Garissa, Tana River, Lamu, Kilifi, Isiolo, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Narok, Kajiado, Baringo, West Pokot, Busia, Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, Homa Bay, Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Meru and Embu. More counties could be added depending on future weather forecasts.
The government expects the programme to reduce livestock deaths, contain disease outbreaks and protect livestock markets and supply chains during extreme weather conditions.
