By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 9 June 2026 - Along the banks of the River Dawa in Sala, Mandera County, pastoralists are finding renewed hope as natural salt licks help restore the health of livestock recovering from the effects of prolonged drought.
For many livestock keepers in Lafey Constituency, the recent rains came just in time to save animals that had been weakened by months of scarce pasture and water. While vegetation has gradually returned following the rains, herders are now supplementing their animals' nutrition with naturally occurring salt licks harvested from the River Dawa basin.
The initiative, spearheaded by Lafey MP Mohamed Abdikheir, has seen the distribution of 2,000 bags of natural salt licks to livestock keepers across the constituency.
Pastoralists say the mineral-rich salt plays a critical role in improving animal health, especially after periods of drought when livestock are left weak and malnourished.
Abdi Hassan, a livestock farmer from Lafey, said the natural salt has become an important supplement for herds that are still recovering from the harsh drought conditions.
"Our livestock love the salt. The drought had left many animals weak and at risk of starvation, but the recent rains brought back pasture. The salt helps improve their health and strength as they recover," he said.
Hassan praised the area MP for supporting the initiative, noting that transportation costs would have made it difficult for many pastoralists to access the salt.
"The MP intervened and catered for transport, making it possible for livestock keepers from different parts of the constituency to benefit," he added.
Livestock remains the backbone of the economy in Mandera and much of northern Kenya, where pastoralism is the primary source of livelihood for thousands of families.
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The region has in recent years endured successive droughts linked to climate change, leading to massive livestock losses and devastating impacts on household incomes and food security.
Many pastoralists lost significant portions of their herds during the prolonged dry spell, forcing communities to rely on humanitarian assistance and alternative coping mechanisms.
Although the recent rains have improved pasture and water availability, recovery remains slow, particularly for families seeking to rebuild their livestock numbers.
Agricultural and livestock experts say natural salt licks provide essential minerals that support growth, reproduction, milk production, and overall animal health. They are particularly important during the cold season and after rains when animals require additional nutrients.
During the loading and dispatch of the salt licks in Sala, MP Mohamed Abdikheir was accompanied by Lafey MCA Adan Hussein Rahoy and local leaders.
The leaders said the programme aims to strengthen livestock productivity and help pastoralist households rebuild their livelihoods after years of climate-related shocks.
For many herders along the Kenya-Somalia border, the sight of trucks carrying bags of salt from the River Dawa is more than a livestock intervention—it is a symbol of recovery after a drought that nearly wiped out the animals on which their lives depend.