By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 13 June 2026 - The government has pledged to rehabilitate 13.5 million hectares of degraded landscapes as part of efforts to strengthen sustainable livestock production, improve drought resilience, and secure the livelihoods of millions of pastoralists across the country.
The commitment was highlighted during a high-level roundtable held alongside the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought celebrations at a Serena Hotel in Nairobi where stakeholders discussed the theme of sustainable rangelands, livestock development, and drought resilience.
Speaking on behalf of Livestock Development Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Allan Azegele said Kenya must move beyond discussions and implement practical solutions to address the growing challenges facing pastoral communities.
The State Department for Livestock Development noted that rangelands support more than 70 percent of Kenya's national livestock herd,making their restoration critical to food security, economic growth, and climate adaptation.
Dr. Azegele highlighted the struggles faced by pastoralists across the country, including families in arid and semi-arid regions who continue to grapple with prolonged droughts, shrinking pasturelands, invasive plant species, and inadequate livestock services.
He cited the example of pastoralist families in Marsabit whose livelihoods depend entirely on livestock but face increasing uncertainty as rainfall becomes less predictable and grazing areas diminish.
The official also pointed to challenges affecting young pastoral entrepreneurs in Kajiado, including insecure land tenure and limited access to veterinary services, which hinder efforts to modernize livestock production and expand market opportunities.
To address these challenges, the government is implementing a series of climate-smart interventions aimed at improving the resilience of pastoral communities and restoring degraded rangelands.
Among the key measures is the expansion of community land registration programmes to strengthen land ownership rights and encourage sustainable management of communal grazing areas.
The government is also investing in animal health services including improved veterinary care, disease surveillance, and better access to livestock markets to help pastoralists protect their herds during drought periods and secure fair returns for their animals.
In addition, the State Department is prioritizing the empowerment of women and youth,who play a central role in livestock value chains and local economies. Targeted investments and financing initiatives are expected to support their participation in climate-resilient livestock enterprises.
Dr. Azegele said the interventions align with Kenya's broader commitments to land restoration, climate adaptation, and sustainable development as the country prepares to showcase its achievements and strategies at the upcoming United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP17 conference.
He emphasized that while Kenya is contributing to global efforts to combat land degradation and drought, the primary objective remains improving the lives of pastoralist communities and ensuring healthy, productive rangelands for future generations.
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed annually to raise awareness about land degradation, desertification, and the impacts of drought, particularly in vulnerable regions that depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods.
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