BY MANUEL ODENY

The administration of Siaya governor James Orengo gave residents of North Gem ward over 40 dairy cattle in an effort to improve their livelihood.

The 43 dairy cows were released to the residents through self-help groups during an event held at the Malanga sublocation assistant chief’s office in the Gem Yala subcounty.

North Gem Ward Member of the County Assembly, Philip Obonyo Oluoch, said the cattle were purchased from the ward’s development budget.

“Out of the Sh24 million set aside for North Gem ward development, we spent Sh7 million for this project,” said Oluoch adding that he plans to distribute 1,000 dairy cows to the local residents by the end of this year.

Through the project, said Oluoch, each member of a group that benefitted will be getting a litre of milk daily.

“This translates to about Sh3,000 monthly for the members, which is slightly higher than the monthly stipend that the national government gives to the elderly citizens,” he said.

Dr. Mark Otieno, the Siaya County Assistant Director of Veterinary Services said one of the 43 cows calved out at the assistant chief’s camp which showed the potential of the animals.

“We vaccinated the animals against foot-and-mouth disease and had other measures to to ensure we have animals which are strong and in good shape,” he said.

The beneficiaries, among them Michael Otieno Odoli and Jane Orek, said they were ready to put into practice the training they received prior to the delivery of the dairy animals.