Under the Regional Livestock Program, implemented by Mercy Corps Kenya, a one-day consultative meeting was convened in Wajir County. The meeting was facilitated by the Kenya Red Cross Society and brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the National Livestock Development and Promotion Services, the State Department for Livestock Development, the Co-operative University of Kenya, the County Departments of Cooperatives and Livestock, the Wajir Community Radio, and various development partners.
The primary objective of the consultation was to advance the operationalization of the Pastoral and Livestock Cooperative Model that had previously been developed through the Livestock Technical Working Group process. Discussions focused on transitioning the livestock value chain from predominantly informal and traditional transaction systems to a structured cooperative approach that promotes collective action, market competitiveness, and stronger governance mechanisms.
Participants emphasized the potential of the cooperative model to enhance pastoral livelihoods through improved market access, increased bargaining power for livestock producers, greater value addition opportunities, and stronger linkages with financial and support services. The model is also expected to contribute to sustainable economic growth by creating employment opportunities, strengthening resilience within pastoral communities, and fostering a more inclusive and commercially viable livestock sector. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to support the implementation and scaling of the cooperative model across pastoral areas.