Through the De-Risking, Inclusion, and Value Enhancement (DRIVE) Project, Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) is deepening investment in livestock value chains, strengthening producer and cooperative institutions, and expanding access to sustainable finance for pastoral economies in West Pokot and Turkana counties.
As part of this commitment, KDC presented a KES 70 million wholesale financing facility to Eco Pillar Sacco to support MSMEs operating across the livestock value chain.
The cheque was presented during a ceremony presided over by the Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, alongside the Governor of West Pokot County HE Simon Kachapin, Principal Secretary Public Works, Hon. Joel Arumonyang the Director General of the Kenya Development Corporation, Norah Ratemo and DRIVE coordinator, Maurice Ouma.
The facility is designed to catalyze investments across the livestock value chain, enhance financial inclusion, and strengthen economic resilience in pastoral communities.
Speaking at the event, the Principal Secretary for investment promotion, Abubakar Hassan Abubakar emphasized that the initiative reflects the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes inclusive growth and targeted investments in underserved regions.
“This is about delivering real solutions to real people in real time. West Pokot’s economy is anchored on livestock production and this investment is about strengthening productivity, stabilizing incomes and building long-term resilience,” he said. “My administration will continue to support Saccos and the wider community to ensure they can access affordable financing opportunities such as the DRIVE Program by KDC. Through our combined efforts to expand access to credit, invest in trade infrastructure and strengthen local enterprises, we are creating sustainable opportunities for economic growth.
We are empowering businesses and households, ensuring that the people of West Pokot prosper,” Said H.E. Simon Kachapin Governor, West Pokot County. With more than 80 percent of West Pokot’s population dependent on livestock and farming, the sector remains central to livelihoods, food security, and trade. However, recurring drought and climate variability continue to threaten pastoral and agro-pastoral systems.
The KES 70 million facility will enable access to affordable credit for livestock production, feed and fodder, animal health services, transport, and value addition activities including milk, meat, hides, and leather processing. Through DRIVE, KDC provides wholesale financing to community-based financial institutions in the ASAL regions such as Eco Pillar Sacco, which in turn lend directly to farmers, traders, women groups, youth enterprises, and pastoral households.
KDC Director General Norah Ratemo noted that the first tranche of KES 35 million has already been disbursed, reaching 170 farmers with 54% of the beneficiaries being youth and women. “This facility is a practical tool to increase livestock productivity, boost incomes, and strengthen livelihoods. We are committed to ensuring that every shilling invested translates into measurable impact at the grassroots,” she said.
Both leaders commended Eco Pillar Sacco for its strong governance and expanding membership base, positioning it as a trusted community anchor capable of deploying capital responsibly and efficiently. With operations in West Pokot and Turkana counties, the Sacco plays a critical role in bridging last-mile financial inclusion gaps.
The CEO of Eco Pillar Mr. Linus Lokira said, “The funds from KDC will uplift the lives of the members of the SACCO with more members applying for the Kilimo Loan, Ufugaji Loan and Kilimo Biashara facilities. Through the remaining tranche, our members from West Pokot and Turkana County are set to benefit greatly due to the high demand that is already there. Membership has grown as a result of the disbursement of funds and this will continue to serve the community.”
The partnership between KDC and the Sacco provides a replicable model for how Government can de-risk investments, empower community institutions, and deliver transformative impact.
As Government continues to shift the narrative around ASAL regions from vulnerability to opportunity, the KES 70 million facility signals sustained commitment to financing resilience, strengthening pastoral economies and unlocking inclusive economic transformation in West Pokot and beyond.
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