BARINGO – The Kenyan government has announced plans to establish a new livestock training institute in Baringo County with an investment of Sh100 million, aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity and supporting local farmers.

According to Kenya News Agency, who spoke at the Baringo County dissemination forum for the Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV) at the Kenya School of Government, Baringo campus, the new institute is part of a broader government effort to enhance extension services and boost the local economy. Chelugui highlighted the potential of the institute to significantly impact the region’s long-term growth, particularly in the livestock sector, which dominates the local economy.

The Principal Secretary for Medical Services, Harry Kimtai, added that the facility would be located in Mogotio Sub County and is set to begin construction with the start of the 2024-2025 financial year. The project was included in the national government’s fourth medium-term plan, covering the period from 2023 to 2027. Kimtai emphasized that the institute would not only train students but also provide essential support to a county where 75 percent of the population are livestock farmers.

In addition to the new institute, Kimtai disclosed that the government has allocated funds for the upgrade of nine other existing livestock training institutes across the country. This initiative is part of a national strategy to improve the livestock sector and enhance its contribution to the economy.

The establishment and subsequent operation of this training institute are expected to be transformative for Baringo, helping to advance profitable agribusiness ventures and, ultimately, the economic standing of the county and its residents.