Isiolo County, Kenya| A passionate plea made by Isiolo County Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya to President William Samoei Ruto has borne fruit, culminating in the launch of a livestock restocking initiative aimed at reviving livelihoods shattered by prolonged drought.
The appeal, delivered on February 7 during the President’s visit to Garbatulla town, highlighted the dire situation faced by pastoralist communities who had lost their livestock — and with it, their primary source of income and sustenance — due to successive dry spells.
In a moment that captured both urgency and empathy, Bonaya stood before the Head of State and implored him to prioritize restocking efforts for the most affected households.
President Ruto responded swiftly and affirmatively, pledging to support Isiolo’s recovery. Just weeks later, that promise has transitioned from words to action.
This week, Bonaya confirmed that the livestock restocking programme had officially commenced in Garbatulla and Isiolo Central sub-counties, marking a significant milestone not only for the region but also for the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to grassroots-centered development.
“Isiolo County is the very first to benefit from this programme,” Bonaya announced with visible satisfaction.
“Each vulnerable household identified by local area chiefs has received five shoats — four female goats and one male. This is a tangible step towards restoring dignity and resilience among our pastoral communities.”
To date, a total of 630 goats have been distributed in the broader Garbatulla sub-county, while 560 goats have reached beneficiaries in Isiolo Central, including Burat and Ngaremara locations.
Plans are underway to extend the distribution to Oldonyiro, Merti, and Cherab sub-counties beginning tomorrow.
The selection of beneficiaries has been spearheaded by local administrators to ensure transparency and equitable reach.
The programme not only addresses immediate needs but is also expected to have long-term economic and social benefits by helping families rebuild their herds and re-establish their traditional way of life.
Bonaya did not shy away from expressing her appreciation for the government’s swift response.
“I say hongera to the Kenya Kwanza Government for honoring its word and living up to the ideals of the bottom-up economic transformation agenda,” she said. “This initiative is proof that when leadership listens and acts, real change is possible.”
Her public acknowledgment, shared succinctly on her social media platforms, has drawn praise from constituents and observers who see the move as a model of responsive governance, collaboration, and proactive leadership.
As the restocking initiative unfolds across Isiolo’s sub-counties, Bonaya’s advocacy stands as a testament to the power of representation rooted in genuine community concern — and the impact that determined voices can have in shaping policy and restoring hope in marginalized regions.
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