Kenya's Deputy President buys 1000 goats for Sh12m ahead of festive season

Residents of Baringo County are a happier and wealthy lot after the Deputy President, William Ruto spent millions of shillings in the county ahead of the festive season.

Mr. Ruto bought 1000 goats at Sh12 million ($120,000)at the annual #KimalelAuction2017 held in Baringo County.

The famed goat auction is the brainchild of former President Daniel Moi, which he started in 1986, but almost disappeared after he left office in 2002.

President Uhuru Kenyatta however, reopened the auction in 2013 after assuming office.

#BaringoCulturalFair is an annual celebration held to showcase the rich and diverse culture of communities residing in the ‘land of a thousand views’.

During the two day event, local leaders, professionals, cultural ambassadors and the community come together to promote tourism, peace and unity.

There are several cultural and sporting activities lined up ranging from cultural songs and dances, poems, dress codes, boat competitions with the highlight being the goat auction at Kimalel shopping center found along Kabarnet-Marigat road.

More than 2,000 goats from local farmers drawn from across the expansive Baringo County are brought to Kimalel to be auctioned, each fetching between Sh10,000 and Sh12,000 through competitive bidding from politicians, professionals and businessmen.

The auction not only helps in promoting food security and reducing extreme poverty in the semi-arid region but also act as a platform where farmers can network and als learn about best livestock practices such as proper animal husbandry, good nutrition, hygiene and disease management.