A record Sh24 million was raised in less than 10 minutes at the famous annual Kimalel Goat Auction and Cultural Festival in Baringo presided over by Deputy President William Ruto.
The buyers, mainly politicians, professionals and businessmen, bought the 1,960 goats from farmers drawn from across Baringo County, in a record 20 minutes. Last year, the auction raised Sh18.7 million
The County Government of Baringo teamed with Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) to hold the auction that has since been styled as the Kimalel Goat Auction and Cultural Fair.
During the sale, demand exceeded supply as organisers easily strove to beat their target of raising Sh24 million. The auction provides an easy market for farmers by eliminating middlemen. Farmers also had an opportunity to exhibit their livestock, network, market their produce, as well as learn the best practices in livestock farming.
"Promoting food security and reducing extreme poverty in Asal regions is a key priority for the government. As a government, we intend to help pastoral communities increase their adaptive capacity and resilience to produce high-quality agricultural and livestock produce," said Mr Ruto during the auction.
The KCB Foundation provided Sh4.4 million in interest free loans to two livestock farmer's co-operative societies to support artificial insemination and purchase chaff cutters.
"The annual goat auction responds to the development of the livestock sector to encourage farmers to practice proper animal husbandry, good nutrition, hygiene and disease management,'' noted KCB Group Chairman Ng'eny Biwott at the event.
Baringo County Governor Benjamin Cheboi reiterated the importance of innovative investment solutions in promoting the livestock sector. "This initiative has attracted more investment and support of market access for livestock farmers in the county," said Mr Cheboi.
Last year's goat auction raised over Sh18 million with 1,563 goats being sold at Sh12,000 each surpassing the 2013 sale of Sh11 million. On a normal market day, the same goat would fetch an average price of Sh3,000.
The famed auction that is the brainchild of former President Daniel Moi, which he started in 1986, almost disappeared when the retired statesman relinquished power in 2002. It was joy for farmers and nyama choma lovers when Baringo County and President Uhuru Kenyatta reopened the auction in 2013.
