Ruto and Gachagua Acquire 1,000 Goats for Sh15 Million at Kimalel Goat Auction

The annual goat auction in Kimalel has generated over Sh40 million in revenue from the sale of more than 3,000 goats.

President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua were among the buyers, purchasing goats worth Sh15 million. The auction and cultural fair, held in Baringo South on Thursday, saw a swift sale of the goats in preparation for Christmas. The President and his deputy acquired over 1,000 goats at Sh15,000 each. During the event, President Ruto emphasized the use of cash payments for sales, refusing to accept cheques or offer credit options to buyers to avoid accumulating debts.

The occasion was attended by various leaders including Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Simon Chelugui, Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Governor Wisley Rotich, Senator William Cheptumo, and Aaron Cheruiyot. Both CS Murkomen and Chelugui purchased 150 goats each, while ICT PS John Tanui and Governor Cheboi acquired 100 goats each. The county government experienced a significant increase in sales, selling over 3,000 goats compared to 1,500 in the previous year.

The Kenya Kwanza government is currently in talks to acquire 5,000 acres of land in Naivasha for the construction of leather industries. This initiative is part of their larger plan to promote locally manufactured goods. The President has emphasized the importance of value addition and has pledged to support the completion of the Maoi abattoir, which will cost Sh141 million. The goal of this abattoir is to encourage the slaughter and sale of meat products, rather than the physical selling of goats.

The Baringo County government is now taking steps to revitalize the industry, with a particular focus on adding value to meat products. Aiming to boost revenue and assist those involved in the livestock trade, an initiative subsidized by the European Union is forecasted to impact more than 400,000 livestock farmers and traders. Enabling further cash flow in such a desirable sector, this program will concentrate its finances towards refining cottage industries which harness meat by-products. Initiated to advance and carry out beef commodities, the underlying goal is for the whole community to benefit financially thanks to this program.