North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB) Governors have announced the setting up of livestock saleyards in the region. This comes even as Kenyans continue feeling the effect of Covid-19 on businesses. Governors from Counties under the Bloc-Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo confirmed the decision when they paid a courtesy call to Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba in Kitale.
Governor Mandago noted that the region hasn’t received and benefited from the tax gained from livestock sales, which has made the Counties lose big financial gains, with several business people also counting losses, “Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, most of our businessmen have been
operating at a loss, and County governments in the NOREB bloc have lost as a result due to lack of taxation,” he said.
He, however, appealed to businessmen to continue observing the health guidelines on Covid-19 infection prevention, noting that will help the government in its endeavor to deal with the virus spread. On his part, West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo appealed to the police to stop harassing traders taking part in the livestock selling business, especially those on transit from different parts of the country.
Lonyangapuo said plans have been put in place by the County governments to ensure traders buying animals at different saleyards are given receipts detailing where and when the livestock were purchased. He said most police officers disturb traders who are transporting animals on transit, “Police must stop harassing these traders.”
Turkana Governor Josphat Nanok and his Trans Nzoia counterpart Khaemba said they have in mind all the necessary guidelines that will be in place for businessmen dealing in the selling and buying of livestock, including providing sanitizers at different centres.
