NGPU January 16, 2024

Banita Livestock Auction Market in Rongai Sub-county to be Upgraded.

Written by Mercy Kihugu

The Nakuru County Government is dedicated to enhancing the Banita livestock auction market in Soin Ward, Rongai Sub-county. This initiative is crucial for empowering rural livestock-rearing communities’ livelihoods.

The renovation aims to provide a more favourable environment for community members and traders to sell their livestock, ultimately boosting the incomes of small-scale farmers and improving food and nutrition security in rural areas.

Dr. Michael Cheruiyot, Chief Officer in charge of Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services, led a team that conducted a pre-bid meeting at the market. The purpose was to inform the public and potential bidders about the project requirements and the scope of work involved in the market’s upgrade.

Among the works will include a sales yard with an auction ring, water troughs, rehabilitation of the rehabilitation pens and loading ramps, and improved water harvesting at the livestock section works.

The market receives over 300 goats and sheep and over 200 cattle every market day where traders and farmers get to sell their sheep and goats at Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 10,000 and the cattle at Ksh 12,000 to Ksh 100,000 depending on the breed quality of the animal.

The county has continued to support the farmers in the area through regular vaccination exercises against diseases like foot and mouth to enhance productivity.

The upgrade is funded through the Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project (KelCoP). This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to improving the market and the lives of the local community.

The project is aimed at increasing income for poor livestock and pastoralist households, food and nutrition security focusing on goat, sheep, apiculture, poultry, and dairy goats value chains in the county.

The meeting was joined by MCA Degaulle Naburuki and KeLCoP Coordinator Dr. Jane Waititu.