•The Boresha Mifugo facility underscores KDC's steadfast commitment to nurturing economic resilience and prosperity in ASAL regions.
•With a minimum borrowing threshold of two million Kenyan shillings and flexible repayment terms, this initiative ensures accessibility and sustainability.
In the vast expanse of Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL), where the rhythm of life beats to the pulse of the land and the creatures that inhabit it, lies a wealth of untapped potential.
These regions have faced numerous challenges, from harsh environmental conditions to limited access to financial resources, hindering their ability to thrive economically.
However, amidst these challenges, a beacon of hope shines bright – the De-Risking, Inclusion, and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies (DRIVE) initiative, spearheaded by the Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), State Department for Livestock(SDL) ZEP-RE and the World Bank.
At the core of the DRIVE initiative lies a steadfast commitment to uplift communities across counties by strengthening the livestock value chains.
Through innovative financial mechanisms, the Boresha Mifugo facility under component 2 initiative which is being implemented by KDC, provides vital support to stakeholders, empowering them to not only survive but thrive in these challenging environments.
The Boresha Mifugo facility underscores KDC's steadfast commitment to nurturing economic resilience and prosperity in ASAL regions.
With a minimum borrowing threshold of two million Kenyan shillings and flexible repayment terms, this initiative ensures accessibility and sustainability for its beneficiaries.
By customising financial aid to accommodate the varied needs within the livestock sector, KDC empowers communities to maximise their resources.
One of the key strengths of the DRIVE initiative is its holistic approach to development.
By focusing on wholesale finance to financial intermediaries, project financing for large-scale investments including feedlots, fodder and livestock feeds production, leather and meat processing, investment financing and agri-asset financing enabling the acquisition of essential machinery, processing equipment, vehicles, tractors, and other farm implements, KDC is addressing the entire value chain of the livestock sector.
This comprehensive strategy not only facilitates the growth of individual businesses but also fosters a thriving ecosystem of interconnected enterprises, driving inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The ongoing DRIVE sensitization and stakeholder validation workshops in ASAL counties exemplify KDC's commitment to inclusivity and collaboration.
By engaging with local communities and stakeholders, KDC ensures that its interventions are tailored to meet the specific needs and aspirations of each region, fostering ownership and sustainability at the grassroots level.
Through strategic financial interventions, KDC is not only unlocking the economic potential of Kenya's pastoral economies but also catalyzing a broader transformation.
By bolstering value addition and promoting sustainable practices, the DRIVE initiative is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and resilience in ASAL regions.
The writer is the Kenya Development Corporation Director General