Isiolo County is seeking partnerships with the World Bank and South Korea to expand fodder production and water infrastructure as it positions itself as a major livestock production and meat-export hub.
Governor Abdi Guyo said the county wants to establish sustainable animal feed production systems across all 10 wards to improve livestock quality and ensure a reliable supply of animals to the recently handed-over Isiolo Abattoir.
The county is targeting investments in boreholes and dams to support pasture cultivation and livestock finishing, particularly in the arid region where water scarcity and prolonged dry spells have affected livestock productivity.
“Improving the livelihoods of our people through livestock production is my Government’s main agenda. We are requesting a partnership to support fodder production at the feedlot, particularly through investments in water infrastructure. This support can be provided through boreholes and dams to facilitate pasture production,” Guyo said.
The push comes after the handover of the Isiolo Abattoir to an investor, a development the county hopes will anchor a wider livestock value chain linking pastoralists to commercial feedlots, modern slaughter facilities and export markets.
The county said reliable access to quality animal feed would be critical to improving livestock condition and ensuring a consistent supply of animals that meet international standards.
Guyo said the proposed partnership with the World Bank would focus on supporting fodder production across the county’s 10 wards, helping pastoralists reduce their dependence on natural pasture, which becomes scarce during drought.
The county is also pursuing cooperation with South Korea following discussions between its leadership and South Korean Ambassador to Kenya Kang Hyung-shik.
The embassy expressed willingness to explore areas of cooperation and identify Korean agencies that could support Isiolo’s development priorities.
Kang said the embassy would engage relevant agencies to determine which institutions were best placed to provide technical assistance or support for the county’s proposals.
He also expressed interest in practical approaches to livestock feed production, drawing on initiatives undertaken in Murang’a and Nyandarua counties.
The proposed cooperation could provide opportunities for Isiolo to explore technologies and investment models for pasture development and improved animal feeding systems suited to arid and semi-arid conditions.
The county government said the investments would help address longstanding challenges facing pastoralist communities, including water shortages, inadequate feed and unpredictable pasture availability.
Beyond improving livestock quality, the initiative is intended to strengthen the economic benefits of the abattoir by creating opportunities for pastoralists, livestock traders, farmers and businesses involved in animal production and meat processing.
The county also hopes that expanding fodder production will help communities withstand drought by reducing reliance on natural grazing and supporting more predictable livestock production.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Governor James Lowasa, County Secretary Dade Boru, County Executive Committee member Lawrence Mwongela and Chief Officers Godana Dida, Batula Ali and Abdulwahid Hussein.
The county government said it would continue engaging development partners to secure financing and technical support for water infrastructure, pasture development and livestock production, with the aim of expanding employment and household incomes across Isiolo.
