Wajir County has entered into a strategic partnership with Mercy Corps aimed at transforming the region’s livestock sector, improving livelihoods, and building climate resilience.

The collaboration is part of the Cross-Border Regional Livestock Program (RLP), a multi-country initiative spanning Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

The high-level delegation was led by Dr. Diba Waqo, Regional Director of the RLP, who was accompanied by a team from Mercy Corps.

The delegation held extensive discussions with county officials and stakeholders on scaling up animal health services, improving rangeland management, and enhancing value chains, particularly for camel milk, a key economic asset in Wajir.

One of the central pillars of the RLP is the enhancement of livestock health through regular vaccination campaigns and veterinary outreach.

Through leveraging private-sector partnerships, the program seeks to ensure that pastoralists have continuous access to essential animal health services.

“Healthy livestock mean a stable livelihood for many families in Wajir. We are committed to making these services both affordable and accessible,” said Dr. Waqo.

To counter the challenges of erratic rainfall and overgrazing, the program will support local farmers in producing high-quality fodder to supplement natural pasture.

The initiative also includes the establishment of Rangeland Management Committees in selected wards.

These committees will oversee the rehabilitation and protection of grazing areas, promoting sustainable use of communal resources.

“The health of our rangelands is directly tied to the wellbeing of our people. With Mercy Corps’ support, we are introducing long-term solutions to manage and regenerate our ecosystems,” said Issa Garore, Wajir County CEC for Roads and Transport, who chaired the meeting.

With growing demand for camel milk both locally and internationally, the program also focuses on strengthening this value chain.

This includes training for local producers, improved milk hygiene standards, value addition, and linking traders to wider markets.

These efforts are expected to generate more income, especially for women and youth involved in camel milk trade.

The meeting on Friday drew participation from senior county officials, including the CECs for Trade and Cooperatives, the Chief Officer for Lands and Physical Planning, and the Director of Partnerships and Donor Coordination, as well as representatives from the County Secretary and the Governor’s office.

The discussions emphasized a united approach to pastoral resilience, food security, and inclusive economic growth.

The RLP, supported by Mercy Corps and regional partners, is a three-year initiative designed to strengthen cross-border livestock economies and promote peacebuilding across Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia.

It aligns with Wajir’s county development goals and Kenya’s broader climate adaptation agenda.