Kimalel goat auction: President Ruto helps raise over Sh40m in a record one hour

President William Ruto helped raise over Sh40 million in a record one hour during this year's edition of the annual Kimalel goat auction in Baringo County.

More than 3,000 goats were availed for sale from all the 30 wards in the county with President Ruto buying 700 goats at a cost of Sh10.5 million while his Deputy Kithure Kindiki bought 300 goats at Sh4.5 million.

Cabinet Secretaries who accompanied the President bought 600 goats at Sh9 million, and Baringo County MPs bought 200 goats at Sh3 million.

Others included Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi and his Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika who bought 100 goats each at Sh1.5 million each.

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot also bought 100 goats each at Sh1.5 million each.

During the famous auction, President Ruto lauded relative peace which has been witnessed in many parts of the North Rift in past six months.

"If there is a government which will stamp out this insecurity menace, then it will be this administration," said President Ruto.

He at the same time commended local leaders for uniting in a peace yo preach peaceful co-existence in the region.

President Ruto said that 26 schools which had been closed down as a result of banditry in the have been rebuild ahead of the January reopening.

He said that his administration has already employed 20,000 teachers who will be deployed to schools where teachers fled as a result of insecurity.

"I give our assurance to our teachers and parents that we will make sure children of Baringo County learn like their counterparts in other parts of the country," said Dr Ruto.

He defended the planned vaccination of livestock which has sparked debate in the country.

"The national vaccines which we've used for years will reduce disease prevalence. We are using  vaccines that are produced by Kenyan companies to create a better export market for our products," said President Ruto.

He hit out at those criticising the planned vaccination exercise for politicising the issue for selfish political gain.

"Those competing with us should shold stop politicising issues on programmes meant to improve the welfare of wananchi. If they are not for vaccination, what's their alternative?" posed President Ruto.

Other leaders who accompanied the President included MPs: John Mwirigi (Igembe),Johana Ng'eno (Emurua Dikiir), Beatrice Elachi (Dagorethi North), William Kamket (Tiaty) and Florence Jematiah (Baringo County MP).

Others included: Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), Joshua Kandie (Baringo Central), Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine), Charles Kamuren (Baringo South) and Joseph Makilap of  Baringo North.

The leaders supported government plans to roll out vaccination of livestock countrywide.

"For our livestock to earn maximum returns, vaccination is mandatory," said Ms Jematiah.

Mr Kamuren lauded government efforts to restore peace in the region noting that only three schools are yet to be reopened.

He said people in his constituency are already going back to their homes in volatile areas such as Arabal,Mukutani and Ruggus.

President Ruto said that his administration has an elaborate plan to also boost the  livestock sector just like the agriculture sector.

"We want to ensure value addition for our meat and hides. 2,000 are being trained on ensuring quality leather," said Dr Ruto.

The 2024 theme of the annual fete was 'Udamaduni Wetu Mifugo Yetu Utajiri Wetu (Our Culture, Our Livestock, Our Wealthy).

Before the climax of the Cultural Fair on Tuesday, there was a line up of activities on Monday aimed at showcasing the vibrancy, resilience and unity of Baringo's communities.

Key highlights of the festival included Lake Baringo waters sports competition with thrilling boat races and traditional Kaldich rafters.

The day also showcased a vibrant cultural festival at Kimalel featuring the traditional performances, music and exhibitions and a lively youth extravaganza.

The Kimalel goat auction which was started in 1986 was the brainchild of the late retired President Daniel arap Moi and was aimed at improving the living standards of Baringo County residents but the market went under in 2002 after the former president relinquished power.

By the time it collapsed , the project had seen more than Sh50 million raised from the sale of about 31,863 goats, 2,518 sheep and 180 cows.