Article by Hillary Kitel.

The National Livestock Development and Promotion Service (NLDPS) operationalisation marks a significant milestone for Kenya’s pastoralist communities. It provides long-overdue support for a sector that is central to national economic development and pastoralists livelihoods. First introduced under the National Livestock Development and Promotion Service Order, 2016, the service is being implemented after years of delay, bringing hope to pastoralists communities nationwide.

Addressing Challenges in the Livestock Sector

Pastoralist communities have long faced challenges such as climate change, unpredictable droughts, market access barriers, and limited infrastructure to support livestock production. The operationalisation of the NLDPS is expected to help mitigate these challenges by improving livestock value chains, strengthening market linkages, and ensuring better coordination in the sector.

H.E. President William Ruto at the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit (PLS)

During the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit (PLS) held in Wajir from December 8 to 11, 2024, pastoralist leaders from 15 counties covering 80% of Kenya’s landmass emphasised the urgent need for interventions in natural resource management, drought resilience, peace and security, and economic empowerment. The summit, themed: “Unlocking Policy and Financing Bottlenecks to Maximise Pastoralism Potential in Kenya”, served as a platform to push for practical solutions that would directly benefit pastoralists, making the launch of the NLDPS a timely response to these concerns.

Historically, the Pastoralist Parliamentary Group (PPG) has played a significant role in advocating for policies that support pastoralist livelihoods, ensuring their inclusion in national development discussions. Despite contributing significantly to Kenya’s economy—livestock from pastoralist regions accounts for approximately 13% of the country’s GDP, with an estimated KES 369 billion recorded in sales in 2019, pastoralists have often struggled with inadequate market structures and support mechanisms. The introduction of the NLDPS seeks to bridge this gap by providing structured support that enhances productivity and sustainability within the sector.

H.E. President William Ruto with the PPG leadership and the chair of the Council of Governors at the 4th Pastoralist Leadership Summit (PLS)

What This Means for Pastoralist Communities

With the NLDPS now operational, pastoralists can expect improved support systems to enhance livestock production and trade. Key benefits include:

• Stronger Drought Resilience Measures—The service will facilitate better planning and response mechanisms to reduce livestock losses during drought periods.
• Expanded Market Access—By promoting livestock trade and developing new markets, pastoralists will have more opportunities to sell their products at competitive prices.
• Investment in Livestock-Based Livelihoods—The initiative is expected to attract investment in processing and value addition, ensuring that pastoralists maximise the returns from their livestock.
• Improved Veterinary and Extension Services – Increased coordination in the livestock sector will provide communities with better access to animal healthcare and advisory services.

A Step Forward for the Future

The operationalisation of the NLDPS represents a critical turning point for Kenya’s livestock sector and the pastoralists who depend on it. By focusing on practical interventions that directly impact communities, this initiative holds the potential to transform pastoralism into a more sustainable and economically viable way of life.

Moving forward, it will be crucial to ensure that the implementation of the NLDPS remains inclusive, with active participation from pastoralist groups, county governments, and relevant stakeholders to maximise its impact. With the right structures, the service could play a transformative role in securing a resilient and prosperous future for Kenya’s pastoralist communities.