Kajiado Bans Ferrying of Livestock to Curb Theft

Kajiado County has banned the transportation of livestock such as sheep and goats in order to curb theft in the area after more than 1000 animals were stolen in the past month.

In a public notice signed off by Agriculture County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Jackline Koin, all goats and sheep in the county have been directed to be slaughtered in a county registered slaughterhouse and ferried as carcass; there shall be no transport of live animals. This is following the rampant livestock raids in the area that has seen many livestock owners lose their source of livelihood.

Additionally, only sheep and goats meant for rearing will be allowed to be transported only if they have an introduction letter from the destination area Chief and this would let them be issued a movement permit.

They also need approval from the County Animal Health Inspectors and the livestock sale yards’ committees and ferrying of animals would only be done between 8 am to 6 pm. This is because the thieves were found to usually ferry the stolen animals to Nairobi-based livestock markets during the 10 pm -dawn curfew hours.

Those found failing to adhere to the directive will be liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh.50000 or imprisonment to a term not exceeding three months.

This new directive is set to affect the cross-border Kenya-Tanzania livestock trade that has flourished over the years boasting an annual turnover of Ksh.3.2 billion with more than 110,000 heads of cattle sold in one year.