The government has launched a transformative five-year livestock sector project aimed at empowering youth and women across 15 Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties to create jobs, enhance climate-smart agriculture, and boost financial inclusion.
The initiative, known as the Creating Shared Value with Young People in the Livestock Sector in Kenya’s ASALs (CASHA) Project, was officially launched in Lodwar by Cabinet Secretary for East African Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands & Regional Development, Beatrice Askul, and Kello Harsama, Principal Secretary in the State Department for the ASALs and Regional Development.
Implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with funding from the Mastercard Foundation, the CASHA Project will target over 300,000 young people, with a strong focus on financially disadvantaged young women in the livestock and agri-food sectors.
“Youth unemployment remains a critical challenge in Kenya's Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, particularly among young women who have restricted access to economic opportunities in the livestock and agri-food sectors,” said CS Askul during the launch ceremony.
“This five-year initiative aims to transform pastoral economies of 15 ASAL counties by improving the livelihoods of over 200,000 financially disadvantaged young women and men.”
The 15 targeted counties are Mandera, Garissa, Wajir, Tana River, Marsabit, Isiolo, Samburu, Laikipia, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, Turkana, West Pokot, and Baringo, regions where pastoralism remains a vital part of the economy but faces mounting challenges due to climate change, market barriers, and limited access to finance.
According to PS Kello Harsama, the CASHA Project is designed to align with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aiming to drive inclusive economic growth in Kenya’s underserved regions.
“I accompanied Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul to Lodwar for the official launch of the 5-year CASHA Project by FAO Kenya,” said Harsama.
“Targeting 300,000 youth and women in 15 ASAL counties, this project will boost jobs, financial inclusion, climate-smart farming, and market access. I urge counties to integrate CASHA into their County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs). Together, we can unlock ASALs' potential and build resilient livelihoods for youth and communities.”
The launch event drew wide participation from national and county governments, as well as development partners and implementing agencies.
Among those present were Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, representatives from FAO, SNV, ILRI, KLMC, BOMA, E4Impact, IFAD, WFP, and the Council of Governors (CoG).
FAO officials described the CASHA project as a landmark initiative that will equip youth with skills, resources, and linkages to thrive in the livestock value chain from production to processing and market access while also building resilience to climate shocks.
As Kenya faces the pressing need to address rural poverty, gender inequality, and the climate crisis in ASAL regions, CASHA is expected to play a critical role in transforming livestock economies and empowering the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs.