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Norah Ratemo, Director General of Kenya Development Corporation (KDC)
- KDC Injects KES519 Million into ASAL Livestock Value Chain;
The Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has injected Sh519 million into Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) in an effort to strengthen enterprises and anchor value chains throughout the region.
The World Bank-backed project, which is being spearheaded by the State Department for Livestock, aim to unlock essential capital for companies operating in these marginalized areas.
The DRIVE Program seeks to revolutionize the economy of more than 20 counties, including Marsabit, Isiolo, Laikipia, Samburu, Narok, Kajiado, and Kwale.
The funding supports a wide range of livestock-related sectors, including fodder production, feedlots, meat processing, leather, aggregation, and livestock trade.
The goal is to promote climate-smart, community-driven development that enhances productivity and resilience across ASAL counties, Director General of Kenya Development Corporation (KDC), said that the DRIVE Program is a flagship model of inclusive investment responsive to local realities.
“With over KSh 519 million disbursed so far to enterprises and value chain actors across more than 20 counties including Marsabit, Isiolo, Laikipia, Samburu, Narok, Kajiado, and Kwale; we are unlocking long-term value in historically marginalized regions,” Ratemo said.
Abubakar Hassan,Principal Secretary for Investment Promotion, noted that it is a practical blueprint for de-risking frontier economies and crowding in private capital through blended finance, concessional lending, and strategic partnerships.
“DRIVE is anchoring our shift from aid to enterprise.Our Government is committed to repositioning the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) as investable zones rich in opportunity,” he said.
Through initiatives like DRIVE, Hassan said that they are unlocking high-impact investments in livestock production, agribusiness, water infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture, while aligning national policies with county priorities.
“This is how we actualize the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by turning potential into prosperity,” he added.
The World Bank emphasized the importance of local feedback in shaping the future of the program, stating that this real-time insight will be instrumental in driving continuous improvement and maximizing the program’s impact.
“Today, we are witnessing this firsthand feedback, as DRIVE beneficiaries share their transformative experiences, illustrating how the program has empowered them to overcome challenges, improve productivity, and contribute to the economic resilience of their communities,” read part of the statement.
Maurice Ouma, DRIVE Project Coordinator, said that the strategic role of the State Department for Livestock is by providing technical support, policy guidance, and sector-specific data.
“The Department ensures that investors are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to successfully engage in livestock and related value chains.
This strategic support is vital in unlocking the economic potential of ASAL regions and promoting sustainable, investment-ready ecosystems,” Ouma said.
Stakeholders at the meeting urged continued collaboration between government agencies, development partners, and the private sector to build on the program’s momentum and scale up high-impact investments across pastoral regions.
